Telecom Sector Faces Imminent Shutdown Amid Diesel Shortage

A nationwide telecommunications shutdown is imminent as the sector grapples with a severe diesel shortage caused by the ongoing strike by Petroleum Tanker Drivers. The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised an alarm, warning that if the supply chain disruption is not urgently addressed, the telecom sector will face a major crisis in the coming days.

In a statement released on Sunday, ATCON President Tony Emoekpere highlighted the critical situation, noting that many telecom base stations are running on low fuel levels. The association stressed that the prolonged unavailability of diesel could lead to widespread service disruptions, affecting millions of Nigerians who rely on telecom services for communication, business, and daily activities.

ATCON has called on the governors of Lagos and Ogun States to intervene and ensure the immediate release of diesel from depots to telecom operators. The association urged the state governments to take swift action to prevent a total breakdown of telecommunications services, which could have far-reaching economic and security implications.

In addition to seeking government intervention, ATCON has also appealed to security agencies and petroleum sector unions to resolve the crisis swiftly. The telecom industry is already facing mounting challenges, including opposition from labor unions against a proposed 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs. A nationwide protest over the tariff hike is scheduled for March 1, 2025, further compounding the sector’s difficulties.