February 23, 2025
While Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the recent 50% telecom tariff hike approved by the Nigerian telecommunications commission, NCC, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, has raised an alarm over a looming network blackout in Lagos and Ogun States.
The envisaged telecom blackout is attributed the diesel supply crisis caused by an indefinite strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers, PTD, a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG.
ATCON President, Mr. Tony Emoekpere, warned that the ongoing diesel supply disruption is pushing many telecom base stations to the brink of shutdown, posing a serious risk to millions of mobile and internet users in the region.
“This strike, which stems from the persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, has effectively halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements.
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“As a result, diesel supply to telecom infrastructure has been severely impacted, leaving critical sites running dangerously low on fuel.” Emoekpere stated.
He maintained that if urgent action was not taken, the situation could escalate into a full-blown network blackout, disrupting:
Mobile and internet services
ATCON is therefore, calling on the Governors of Lagos and Ogun States to intervene and help facilitate the release of diesel from depots to telecom operators.
“This is not just a telecom issue—it is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety,” he said.
The association also called on security agencies and petroleum unions to help mediate and resolve the crisis to safeguard Nigeria’s network connectivity.
