Telecommunications services in Lagos, Kaduna, and Delta states may face significant disruption following a blockade of diesel distribution to telecom base stations by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA).
The action reportedly affects more than 16,000 telecom base stations managed by IHS Towers, a key infrastructure provider to mobile network operators. The development may impact millions of users and disrupt services across sectors reliant on telecom connectivity, including banking, health care, and emergency services.
The dispute stems from an unresolved allegation by IHS Towers that two member companies of NOGASA misappropriated diesel allocated for powering telecom sites. While investigations are said to be ongoing, members of both NUPENG and NOGASA have blocked access to diesel depots in Lagos, Kaduna, and Koko (Delta State), halting fuel supply to the affected sites.
In response, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) issued a statement expressing concern over the potential implications of the blockade on public safety and critical services.
“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,” said ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo.
Adebayo stressed that telecom infrastructure is classified under Nigerian law as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), and any disruption could pose risks to national security and economic stability.
While ALTON maintained that it does not interfere in disputes between its members and third parties, it urged all stakeholders to prioritize dialogue and legal resolution over actions that may impair public services.
“We hereby request that uninterrupted access be granted to the diesel supply locations, and we urge all parties involved to embrace constructive dialogue to resolve the matter without further disruption to essential services,” the statement read.
The group also appealed to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other relevant authorities to intervene and prevent a possible blackout.