The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has expressed deep concern over the ongoing disruption in diesel supply to telecommunications infrastructure across the country.
The association warned that the situation poses a critical threat to national connectivity, emergency services, and overall public safety.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON revealed that members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) on Tuesday blocked access to diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko (Delta State).
This blockade, the association said, has prevented the distribution of diesel to thousands of telecommunications sites operated by one of its key members, IHS Towers.
“This action,” ALTON stated, “reportedly stems from allegations of diesel misappropriation made by IHS against two member companies of NOGASA, which are currently under investigation by the relevant authorities.”
The association emphasized that the situation could jeopardize operations at some of the over 16,000 telecommunications sites across Nigeria, noting that these sites are vital to maintaining mobile and internet connectivity for millions of Nigerians, and also power critical services such as banking transactions, hospital communications, emergency response systems, and national security operations.
“While ALTON does not necessarily interfere in disputes between its members and third parties,” Adebayo noted, “we are gravely concerned about the wider implications of this action on national infrastructure and public safety.”
Acknowledging the long-standing contribution of NOGASA and NUPENG to Nigeria’s energy landscape, the association urged the two unions to act swiftly to prevent further disruption.
“We recognize and deeply respect the vital role NOGASA and NUPENG have played in sustaining Nigeria’s energy supply chain and supporting national development over the years,” the statement read.
“We trust they will continue to uphold these values by ensuring their actions do not jeopardize critical national infrastructure or public welfare.”
ALTON appealed for immediate restoration of access to the affected diesel supply depots and called for constructive dialogue between all parties involved. It also reminded stakeholders that telecommunications infrastructure has been designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Nigerian law.
“Any deliberate disruption or blockade that affects the operation of such infrastructure constitutes a serious threat to national security and economic stability and will attract strict legal consequences,” ALTON warned.
The association called on the leadership of NUPENG and NOGASA to rein in their members and prioritize lawful conflict resolution. “Disputes must be resolved within the framework of lawful contracts and applicable legal processes, without resorting to actions that endanger the operations of an entire industry and the lives and livelihoods that depend on it,” it stated.
ALTON further appealed to relevant authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other critical agencies, to intervene urgently to avert what it described as a “looming nationwide communications blackout.”
Despite the current challenges, ALTON reaffirmed its commitment to providing Nigerians with quality and reliable telecommunications services. However, it warned that persistent disruptions such as the ongoing diesel blockade could severely impact its members’ ability to maintain and improve service delivery.
“Such actions threaten the integrity of the country’s digital and communications ecosystem,” ALTON concluded.