The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has sounded the alarm over a looming nationwide telecom shutdown due to a severe diesel shortage.
The crisis, triggered by an ongoing strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, has halted fuel movements and critically affected telecom base stations.
ATCON President, Mr. Tony Emoekpere, warned that the situation could escalate into a full-blown network blackout, disrupting essential services like mobile and internet access, business operations, and emergency response systems. He emphasized that diesel supply to telecom infrastructure has been severely impacted, leaving critical sites with dangerously low fuel levels.
Causes of the Diesel Shortage
The strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, stems from the persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State.
Consequences of a Telecom Shutdown
A prolonged disruption in fuel supply to telecom infrastructure could have far-reaching consequences for both businesses and individuals who rely on stable communication networks for daily operations. The shutdown could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety.
Calls for InterventionATCON has urged the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to intervene immediately by facilitating the release of diesel from depots to telecom operators. The association has also appealed to security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis swiftly to safeguard Nigeria’s connectivity and economic stability.
The diesel shortage crisis highlights the challenges facing Nigeria’s telecom industry, including multiple taxation, Right of Way (RoW) bottlenecks, and infrastructure vandalism. These challenges threaten the growth and sustainability of the sector, emphasizing the need for urgent attention from stakeholders.