By Juliet Umeh
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, ALTON, has issued a grave warning that millions of Nigerians face imminent communications and digital service disruptions due to a widespread diesel supply crisis. The situation threatens to shut down over 16,000 telecom base stations in Lagos, Kaduna, and Delta states, plunging vast parts of the country into a digital blackout.
The crisis stems from an escalating dispute between IHS Towers, a major tower infrastructure company, and two influential unions, the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, NOGASA, and the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG. IHS Towers has accused companies affiliated with NOGASA of diesel misappropriation, leading NOGASA and NUPENG to block access to diesel loading depots in key locations, including Lagos, Kaduna, and Koko (Delta State). This blockade has effectively halted the distribution of diesel, the primary power source for the affected telecom sites.
According to ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, this action constitutes a “critical threat” to national stability. “These sites not only power mobile and internet services for millions of Nigerians but also support essential services such as banking transactions, hospital communications, emergency response systems, and national security operations,” Adebayo stated. He underscored that any deliberate disruption of telecom infrastructure, which is legally classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure, CNII, is a punishable offense.
In a strongly worded statement, ALTON urged all parties to seek a resolution through constructive dialogue and lawful processes, rather than through “blockade or sabotage.” The association has called on government stakeholders, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, ONSA, and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, to urgently intervene and prevent the looming communications blackout.
ALTON’s warning highlights the country’s vulnerability and over-reliance on diesel for its digital infrastructure. As the countdown to a potential blackout continues, all eyes are on the unions, the tower operators, and the regulators to resolve the dispute and avert a widespread communications catastrophe.
