Telecom Industry Faces Crisis as ATCON Warns of Shutdown Due to Diesel Shortage

A deepening diesel supply problem has prompted the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) to issue a grim warning about an imminent network outage in Lagos and Ogun States.

Fuel distribution has reportedly been badly hampered by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), who have been on strike indefinitely.

Tony Emoekpere, president of ATCON, expressed extreme concern about the situation, saying that the disruption in the fuel supply is forcing telecom base stations to shut down, potentially disconnecting millions of internet and mobile users.

Explaining the cause of the strike, Emoekpere said: “This strike, triggered by the continued harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, has completely halted truck loading operations and fuel deliveries.”

The group also urged petroleum unions and security authorities to settle the conflict quickly in order to protect Nigeria’s economic stability and connectivity.