The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has issued a grave warning about a potential nationwide communications blackout following reports that members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) have blocked access to diesel loading depots.
ALTON in a statement signed by its Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, this action has prevented the refueling of thousands of telecommunication sites, primarily in Kaduna, Lagos, and Delta State.
According to the statement, the disruption is reportedly a result of an ongoing dispute between IHS Towers, a key ALTON member, and two companies affiliated with NOGASA. IHS Towers has alleged that the two companies misappropriated diesel, a claim that is currently under investigation. In response, NUPENG and NOGASA members have reportedly blocked diesel distribution to thousands of telecommunication sites.
This blockade poses a critical threat to the operation of some of the 16,000 telecommunication sites across the country. These sites are essential for more than just mobile and internet services; they also support vital national infrastructure, including banking transactions, hospital communications, emergency response systems and national security operations
In a statement, ALTON’s Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, expressed deep concern, stating that while the association doesn’t typically interfere in disputes between its members and third parties, the wider implications of this action on national infrastructure and public safety cannot be ignored.
ALTON is urging NUPENG and NOGASA to immediately restore uninterrupted access to the diesel supply locations and to resolve the dispute through constructive dialogue and lawful processes, rather than actions that endanger an entire industry. The association also reminded all stakeholders that telecommunications infrastructure is classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Nigerian law, and any disruption to it is considered a serious threat to national security.
The association has called on the leadership of both unions to call their members to order. Furthermore, it has appealed to relevant authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), to urgently intervene to prevent a looming nationwide communications blackout.