Expect network disruption as unions block diesel supply – Telcom alerts

Telecommunications

Nigeria’s telecoms operators have warned that the ongoing blockage of diesel supply by members of the two major unions in the oil industry, the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) could soon cause major service problems across the country.

Mr Gbenga Adebayo, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) who issued the alert in a statement on Thursday in Lagos said NOGASA and NUPENG members have stopped diesel trucks from loading at depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko in Delta State.

The ALTON boss said the diesel is used to power thousands of telecom sites, especially those run by IHS Towers, one of Nigeria’s largest network infrastructure companies.

“The unions’ action reportedly followed a dispute over alleged fuel theft involving two NOGASA-linked companies and IHS. The matter is being investigated,” he said.

Adebayo said the blockade was already affecting some of the 16,000 telecom sites that help keep mobile networks, internet, banking, hospitals, emergency services, and security systems running across Nigeria.

“This is a serious threat to public safety and national security, telecom sites are critical infrastructure, blocking fuel from reaching them is dangerous and illegal,” he said.

Adebayo urged the oil unions to stop the blockade immediately and resolve any disputes legally.

He called on government agencies, including the National Security Adviser and telecom the Communications Commission, to step in before the country faces a full network shutdown.

“Without diesel, we can not keep the networks running. Millions of Nigerians could lose access to vital services,” Adebayo warned.

(NAN)