Diesel Shortage Sparks Fears Of Massive Network Shutdown In Nigeria

A dispute over diesel supply between telecom tower operator IHS and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) has triggered fears of a nationwide telecom service disruption.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The crisis, which has also involved the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), has telecom operators warning that more than 16,000 base stations in Lagos, Kaduna, and Delta states could be shut down — potentially cutting off millions of telecom and banking customers.

The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), in a statement signed by Chairman Gbenga Adebayo, labelled the situation as “sabotage” and a threat to national security. ALTON warned that the diesel blockade could cripple vital sectors — including hospitals, schools, and financial services — all of which depend heavily on telecom connectivity.

The standoff began after IHS accused two NOGASA member firms of diverting diesel meant for telecom sites, demanding a full investigation. NOGASA rejected the allegations, accusing IHS of breaching contracts and refusing to pay for legitimately supplied diesel. Both NOGASA and NUPENG denied wrongdoing, insisting that all diesel supplied must be paid for before further deliveries.

The National Association of Telecom Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMs) has urged Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, to escalate the matter to President Bola Tinubu to avert an impending “telecom blackout.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed alarming security threats to telecom infrastructure — including an average of 1,100 fibre optic cuts weekly, 545 site access denials, and nearly 100 theft incidents. The NCC warned that vandalism combined with the diesel blockade could severely damage the nation’s communications backbone.

According to ALTON, diesel depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko (Delta State) were blocked on Tuesday, halting supplies to thousands of telecom sites run by IHS Towers. These sites power mobile and internet services for millions of Nigerians, and also support banking, hospital communications, emergency services, and national security.

While stressing that ALTON does not normally interfere in disputes between members and third parties, Adebayo urged all parties to allow immediate diesel access and pursue dialogue. He reminded stakeholders that telecom facilities are classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Nigerian law — meaning any deliberate disruption could attract severe legal consequences.

ALTON called on NUPENG and NOGASA leadership to rein in their members and resolve the dispute through lawful means, warning that the continuation of the blockade risks a nationwide communications shutdown.

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