Telecom Blackout Imminent! ATCON Warns Of Widespread Service Disruptions Due To Diesel Shortage

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has issued a dire warning about the possibility of network shutdowns in Lagos and Ogun States due to a severe diesel supply crisis.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The crisis has arisen from an indefinite strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a division of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which has caused significant disruptions to fuel distribution.

Tony Emoekpere, President of ATCON, expressed his grave concern over the escalating situation, noting that the disruption in fuel supply is pushing telecom base stations to the brink of shutdown. This could lead to millions of mobile and internet users in the affected areas being disconnected.

Emoekpere explained that the strike was triggered by the ongoing harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, halting all truck loading and fuel movement operations.

As a result, telecom infrastructure is in jeopardy, with many critical sites relying on rapidly depleting fuel reserves. Emoekpere warned that without immediate intervention, the crisis could evolve into a full-scale network outage, affecting:

• Mobile and internet connectivity
• Business and financial transactions
• Emergency communication networks
• Essential day-to-day communications

To avert this impending disaster, ATCON has urged the Governors of Lagos and Ogun States to intervene and facilitate the immediate release of diesel from depots to telecom operators.

“This is not merely a telecom issue—it is a national emergency that could paralyze economic activities and jeopardize public safety,” Emoekpere stressed.

The association also called on security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the dispute urgently to safeguard Nigeria’s connectivity and economic stability.