Nationwide Telecom Blackout Looms as Diesel Blockade Hits 16,000 Telecom Sites

The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has raised concerns about a potential nationwide communication breakdown as a diesel blockade has affected 16,000 telecom sites. The blockade, led by the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), has disrupted diesel supply to telecom sites operated by major ALTON member, IHS Towers.

ALTON warned that a prolonged disruption in diesel supply could lead to a shutdown of mobile data services, banking transactions, emergency communications, and critical security operations. The association called for a peaceful resolution through legal and diplomatic channels, emphasizing the importance of telecom sites in providing mobile internet connectivity to 140 million Nigerians.

ALTON urged immediate intervention from the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the Department of State Services to prevent a nationwide telecom blackout.