"It is a National Emergency": Telecom Operators Warn of Network Blackout in Two Nigerian States
- Telcom operators have warned that two states could face a major network disruption due to a diesel shortage caused by an ongoing strike by tanker drivers
- ATCON’s president stated that the fuel supply crisis is pushing telecom base stations toward shutdown, threatening mobile and internet services
- He urged the state governors, security agencies, and petroleum unions to intervene immediately, calling the situation a national emergency
Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology, Banking and the Economy.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has warned that Lagos and Ogun States may soon face network disruptions due to a shortage of diesel.
This crisis is a result of an indefinite strike by Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a group under the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
Source: Getty Images
ATCON’s President, Mr. Tony Emoekpere, stated that the ongoing fuel shortage is putting many telecom base stations at risk of shutting down, which could severely affect millions of mobile and internet users in the area.
He explained that the strike began because tanker and fuel truck drivers had been repeatedly harassed by police officers in Lagos state. As a result, fuel distribution has come to a standstill.
He said:
“As a result, diesel supply to telecom infrastructure has been severely impacted, leaving critical sites running dangerously low on fuel.”
He warned that if nothing is done quickly, the situation could get worse, leading to a total network outage. This would affect mobile and internet services, businesses, emergency services, and everyday communication.
ATCON is urging the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to step in immediately and help ensure that telecom operators get access to diesel from depots.
Emoekpere added:
“This is not just a telecom issue—it is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety.”
According to Vanguard, the group also called on security agencies and petroleum unions to quickly settle the issue to protect Nigeria’s network and economy.
Telecos promised quality service after tariff hike
This risk of network disruption comes just weeks after the Nigerian Communications Commission approved a 50% increase in telecom tariffs.
The commission explained that the price hike was needed to keep the industry stable and help operators maintain quality services.
Telecom companies had requested the increase, citing higher operating costs due to inflation and the naira’s depreciation.
Source: UGC
MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, said the adjustment would support vital investments in telecom infrastructure.
Some telecom providers have already implemented the new tariff increase, but consumers will be frustrated if they still face service disruptions, especially after being promised better service quality.
NCC addresses data depletion complaints
In related news, Legit.ng reported that the NCC refuted allegations of widespread quick data depletion on mobile networks in Nigeria.
The clarification follows claims by subscribers that telecom operators had diminished the value of data packages offered to customers.
The commission stated that an audit conducted in the third quarter of 2024 found no evidence to support these allegations.
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Source: Legit.ng
