Nigeria’s telecom network may soon suffer outages as over 16,000 base stations face imminent shutdown following a diesel supply blockade in Lagos, Kaduna, and Delta States, ALTON warns.
The disruption stems from an escalating conflict between two oil workers’ unions and a major telecom infrastructure provider.
Members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) have blocked access to key diesel loading depots.
This is preventing fuel distribution to telecom sites operated by IHS Towers, one of the largest providers of telecommunications infrastructure in the country.
At the heart of the dispute is an allegation of diesel misappropriation levelled by IHS against two companies affiliated with NOGASA. The issue is under investigation, yet in response, union members have halted diesel supply operations in the affected states, effectively putting a critical portion of Nigeria’s digital infrastructure at risk.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), did not downplay the seriousness of the situation.
In his words: “This action, reportedly stemming from allegations by IHS of diesel misappropriation against 2 member companies of NOGASA and which is being investigated by the requisite authorities, has resulted in a critical threat to the operation of some of the 16,000 telecommunications sites nationwide, servicing Mobile Network Operators.”
The telecom base stations under threat are responsible for powering mobile phone and internet services, bank transaction networks, hospital communication systems, emergency response lines, and vital national security platforms.
A failure at this scale would compromise not only public access to connectivity but also the digital backbone of Nigeria’s economy and security architecture.
It’s important to note that Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure relies heavily on diesel-powered generators, as grid electricity remains unreliable and insufficient. Some affected sites are reportedly now operating on backup reserves with little time left before complete outages begin.
ALTON stressed that while it does not mediate disputes between private companies and third-party service providers, it has a duty to protect national infrastructure.
“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.
More than just a commercial conflict, the issue now carries national security and legal implications. ALTON reminded the unions and all involved parties that telecommunications assets have been designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure under Nigerian law, a classification that makes any deliberate disruption a potential offence with serious consequences.
Calling for speedy intervention, ALTON urged the leadership of NUPENG and NOGASA to reverse the blockade and allow fuel distribution to resume. The association also appealed to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other authorities to step in immediately.
“We urge all parties involved to embrace constructive dialogue to resolve the matter, without further disruption to essential services. Disputes must be resolved within the framework of lawful contracts and applicable legal processes,” Adebayo added.
As we face the real possibility of a digital blackout, experts warn that any delay in restoring fuel supply could result in cascading failures across multiple sectors.
ALTON has reiterated its focus on keeping Nigerians connected but warned that continued interference with diesel access will derail network stability and increase the economic challenges already felt across the country.
