The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised an urgent alarm over a fuel crisis caused by an ongoing strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers.
The strike, which has brought fuel supply operations to a halt, is having a critical impact on telecom base stations, pushing them to the brink of shutting down and threatening mobile and internet services across the region.
ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, revealed in a statement that the disruption stems from the harassment of petroleum tanker drivers by police officers in Lagos State, which has led to a standstill in fuel loading and transportation.
As a result, telecom infrastructure is facing a severe diesel shortage, leaving essential sites with dangerously low fuel levels.
If the situation is not addressed immediately, Emoekpere warned that the country could face a network blackout, which would affect vital services such as mobile communications, internet access, business operations, and emergency response systems.
He called on the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to step in and facilitate the release of fuel from depots to telecom operators to prevent further deterioration.
“This is not just a telecom issue, it is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety,” Emoekpere emphasized.
ATCON also appealed to security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis promptly to protect Nigeria’s connectivity and economic stability.
The association highlighted that a prolonged disruption in fuel supply could have widespread consequences for businesses and individuals who depend on reliable communication networks for daily operations.