The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) has announced the resumption of diesel supplies to telecom tower operator IHS Towers and other telecom companies after a brief suspension caused by unpaid debts running into billions of naira.
Resumption Follows Intervention from ONSA and NCC
NOGASA’s National President, Bennett Okorie, confirmed at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday that the decision was influenced by interventions from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Both agencies assured the association that the long-standing debt dispute would be addressed amicably starting Monday. NOGASA had earlier halted supplies to IHS and other telecom operators, warning that the move could disrupt mobile network services nationwide.
7-Day Ultimatum for Debt Payment
Okorie stated that the service suspension has been lifted for 7 days, during which suppliers will provide 24-hour diesel deliveries to affected sites to restore fuel stock levels.
“In the interest of energy security and Nigerians, we have resolved to resume our services immediately at the affected depots,” Okorie said.
“If the debts remain unpaid within the given period, members will withdraw services without further notice.”
Potential Impact on Mobile Network Services
Earlier in the week, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) had warned that over 16,000 telecom base stations were at risk of shutting down due to blocked diesel supply.
According to ALTON’s Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and NOGASA had restricted access to diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Delta states.
The action followed allegations by IHS of diesel misappropriation involving two NOGASA member companies, which are currently under investigation by the relevant authorities.
Nationwide Service Disruption Threat
ALTON emphasised that these telecom sites are critical for powering mobile and internet services for millions of Nigerians, as well as essential sectors such as:
- Banking transactions
- Hospital communications
- Emergency response systems
- National security operations
The body urged ONSA, NCC, and other stakeholders to act quickly to prevent a potential nationwide communications blackout.
