Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is teetering on the brink of a nationwide network blackout amid mounting tensions between base station operators and diesel suppliers.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has revealed that members of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers’ union and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association (NOGASA) have blocked access to diesel loading depots in Lagos, Kaduna, and Delta. This obstruction stems from a dispute involving allegations of diesel misappropriation against two NOGASA member companies by tower giant IHS.
As a result, over 16,000 telecom base stations—critical for mobile and internet services—face imminent shutdown. These sites not only power communication but also underpin essential services such as banking, hospitals, emergency response systems, and national security.
ALTON leaders warn that such disruptions could cripple the digital infrastructure of the economy, emphasizing that these telecom installations are designated Critical National Information Infrastructure under national law. The association has urged all parties to resolve the dispute quickly through dialogue, reminding stakeholders that such disruptions pose serious threats to public welfare and economic stability.
The situation comes against a backdrop of soaring energy costs for telecom firms. Nigeria’s telecommunications sector relies heavily on diesel-powered generators due to an unreliable national grid. Operators consume over 40 million litres of diesel monthly, spending upwards of $350 million annually. With such costs accounting for a significant share of operational expenses, any interruption to diesel supply amplifies the sector’s vulnerability.
To prevent a full-scale communication blackout, ALTON has called for immediate intervention from security agencies, regulatory bodies, and state governments.
