Telecom Companies Warn of Imminent Shutdown as Diesel Crisis Escalates

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised an urgent alarm regarding a looming diesel supply crisis. This crisis is being fueled by an ongoing strike led by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD), a division of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers. The strike is seriously affecting the supply of fuel to telecommunications infrastructure across the country, with dire consequences for mobile and internet users.

In a statement released on Sunday, ATCON President, Mr. Tony Emoekpere, expressed grave concerns about the impact of the strike on telecom operations. “This strike, which stems from the persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, has effectively halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements,” Emoekpere explained.

The strike has brought about a severe disruption in the supply of diesel, a critical resource for powering telecom base stations across Nigeria. According to Emoekpere, this disruption is putting telecom infrastructure on the brink of shutdown. He stated that many telecom sites are now facing dangerously low fuel levels, which could soon lead to a complete collapse of service.

The ATCON President further warned that unless urgent measures are taken, the situation could escalate into a full-scale network blackout. Such a blackout would have far-reaching consequences, particularly for businesses, emergency response systems, and the millions of individuals who rely on mobile and internet services for daily communication and operations.

“The interruption in fuel supply to telecom infrastructure is already affecting critical sites,” Emoekpere added. “If the issue persists, we could see a total disruption of communication services, which would negatively impact everything from business transactions to emergency services.”

The ongoing strike, primarily rooted in the alleged harassment of tanker drivers by police officers, has led to a halt in the movement of petroleum products. Consequently, fuel supply to essential sectors, including telecommunications, is at risk of complete breakdown, placing immense pressure on businesses and services dependent on consistent power and connectivity.

ATCON is particularly concerned about the potential for long-term consequences if the situation is not swiftly addressed. The association warned that any extended disruption of fuel supply to telecom sites would jeopardize Nigeria’s economic stability, as many businesses and individuals rely on uninterrupted connectivity for day-to-day activities.

The association has also called on security agencies and relevant petroleum unions to expedite efforts to resolve the crisis. “We implore the security agencies and petroleum unions to come together and find an immediate solution to this ongoing issue,” Emoekpere urged. “The livelihoods of millions depend on it.”

Emoekpere stressed that the entire nation could suffer significant setbacks if the crisis continues unchecked. The telecom sector plays a crucial role in driving business operations, supporting emergency response systems, and ensuring access to vital services, all of which could be compromised without a stable fuel supply.

ATCON also emphasized the urgent need for coordination among government agencies and private sector stakeholders to prevent further deterioration of the situation. “It is essential that all parties work together to safeguard Nigeria’s connectivity and economic growth,” the association’s statement read.

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