The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has warned of a potential nationwide communications blackout due to a diesel supply blockade threatening the operations of 16,000 telecommunications sites.
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In a press release issued on Thursday, August 7, and signed by ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, the group explained that members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) had blocked access to diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko, Delta State. This action has halted the distribution of diesel to thousands of sites managed by IHS Towers, a key ALTON member.
The dispute reportedly stems from allegations by IHS Towers of diesel misappropriation involving two NOGASA member companies. While ALTON is not directly involved in the dispute, it expressed deep concern over the wider implications for national infrastructure and public safety.
The affected sites are critical for powering mobile and internet services for over 140 million Nigerians. They also support essential services such as banking transactions, hospital communications, emergency response systems, and national security operations. ALTON emphasised that any prolonged disruption would severely undermine these vital functions.
The association called on the leadership of NUPENG and NOGASA to intervene immediately and restore access to the supply depots. It urged all parties to resolve the matter through constructive dialogue and legal channels, rather than actions that threaten the entire telecommunications industry.
ALTON also reminded stakeholders that telecommunications infrastructure is legally designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Federal Government Gazette No. 133, Volume 108, dated March 17, 2021. Any deliberate disruption of these assets constitutes a serious threat to national security and economic stability and carries significant legal consequences.
To avert the impending crisis, ALTON issued an urgent appeal to relevant government bodies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), to intervene and prevent a looming communications blackout.
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