The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has raised an urgent alarm that over 16,000 telecom base stations could shut down in the coming days. This follows a blockade of diesel loading depots by the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) across three Nigerian states.
Diesel Blockade Threatens Telecom Operations
In a statement signed by ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, the association revealed that the affected states include Kaduna, Lagos, and Delta.
The diesel blockade has disrupted fuel distribution to thousands of telecom sites operated by IHS Towers, one of Nigeria’s largest telecommunications infrastructure providers.
According to ALTON, the industrial action is linked to allegations by IHS of diesel misappropriation against two NOGASA member companies, which is currently under investigation.
“These sites power mobile and internet services for millions of Nigerians and also support essential services such as banking transactions, hospital communications, emergency response systems, and national security operations,” Adebayo warned.
National Security and Economic Risk
ALTON emphasised that while it does not interfere in disputes between its members and third parties, actions affecting telecom infrastructure are unacceptable and could pose serious risks to public welfare and economic stability.
The association reminded stakeholders that telecom facilities are officially designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Nigerian law. Therefore, any deliberate disruption could carry severe legal consequences.
“We urge all parties to embrace constructive dialogue to resolve this matter without further disruption to essential services. Disputes must be resolved through lawful contracts and legal processes,” Adebayo stressed.
ALTON Calls for Immediate Intervention
ALTON is urging the leadership of NUPENG and NOGASA to call their members to order and restore the diesel supply.
It has also appealed to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other key stakeholders to step in immediately to prevent a possible nationwide communications blackout.
“Disruptions like this undermine our members’ ability to deliver quality telecom services and threaten the integrity of Nigeria’s digital ecosystem,” ALTON stated.
Potential Nationwide Impact
If the blockade persists, the shutdown of thousands of telecom sites could disrupt:
- Mobile and internet services nationwide
- Banking transactions and financial services
- Hospital and emergency communications
- National security operations
ALTON reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring quality and resilient telecom services for Nigerians but warned that continued operational obstructions could cause far-reaching national consequences.
