The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has warned that the severe diesel supply crisis, triggered by an ongoing strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, is pushing Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure to the brink of collapse.
ATCON President, Mr. Tony Emoekpere, said the strike which stems from the persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, has halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements.
“This strike… has effectively halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements,” Emoekpere stated.
He explained that if urgent measures are not taken, the situation could escalate into a full-blown network blackout, disrupting essential services including mobile and internet access, business operations, emergency response systems, and daily communications.
ATCON has called on the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to intervene immediately by facilitating the release of diesel from depots to telecom operators.
Emoekpere stressed that the situation is not just a telecom issue, but a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety.
“This is not just a telecom issue—it is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety,” he said.
ATCON has also appealed to security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis swiftly to safeguard Nigeria’s connectivity and economic stability.
The association emphasized that 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.
