Telcos Warn Of Network Blackout In Two States Over Diesel Shortage

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has alerted subscribers of an imminent net­work blackout in Lagos and Ogun states due to a worsening diesel supply crisis.

The disruption is a direct re­sult of an indefinite strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).

ATCON President, Mr. Tony Emoekpere, in a statement, warned that the prolonged fuel supply disruption is pushing several telecom base stations to the brink of shutdown, posing a major risk to millions of mobile and internet users in the region.

“This strike, which stems from the persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, has effectively halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements.

“As a result, diesel supply to telecom infrastructure has been severely impacted, leaving critical sites running danger­ously low on fuel,” Emoekpere explained.

He cautioned that if urgent action is not taken, the situation could escalate into a full-blown network blackout.

ATCON is appealing to the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to intervene immediate­ly by facilitating the release of diesel from depots to telecom operators.

“This is not just a telecom is­sue—it is a national emergency that could cripple economic ac­tivities and compromise public safety,” Emoekpere stressed.

The association also urged security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis swiftly to safeguard Nigeria’s connectiv­ity and economic stability.

Justus Adejumoh is an IT / Telecom Reporter who has been covering the ICT sector for over a decade. He is currently the IT / Telecom Editor of Independent Newspapers Limited. With a knack for the industry’s issues and trends, he has given impetus to the industry through agenda-setting reports, analysis of issues and interfacing with industry stakeholders.

A graduate of Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), he also attended Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State for his first degree and Master from University of Lagos. Also, he has attended several training courses and workshops on media and other fields. They include CNN / MultiChoice Media Training, CSR Training- Pan-Atlantic University (Lagos Business School), and Microsoft Advanced Media Training, among others.

He is currently the General Secretary of Nigeria Information Technology Reporters’ Association (NITRA) and a Senior Member of Chartered Institute of Public Diplomacy and Management (CIPDM).