Telecom Blackout Looms As Fuel Tanker Drivers Down Tools

The ongoing strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) is pushing Nigeria’s telecommunications sector to the brink of a major service disruption, industry leaders have warned.

Industry leaders under the aegis of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have sounded the alarm, stating that fuel shortages caused by the strike are crippling telecom operations in Lagos and Ogun States.

Diesel, which powers base stations and critical infrastructure, is running dangerously low at numerous sites, posing an imminent risk to network stability.

The strike, which began on Sunday, has halted the loading and movement of fuel trucks indefinitely. PTD members are protesting what they describe as persistent harassment by police officers in Lagos state.
However, the fallout is now extending beyond the transport and energy sectors, threatening essential services like telecommunications.

“This is not just about telecoms—it’s a national emergency. If this crisis is not addressed immediately, millions of Nigerians could face service disruptions that will impact businesses, emergency response, and everyday communications,” ATCON president Tony Emoekpere said.

The telecom industry group is urging the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to intervene urgently, facilitating emergency access to diesel depots to keep networks operational. ATCON also called on security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve their dispute swiftly to prevent further economic damage.

With Nigeria’s economy and public safety reliant on seamless communication, the looming telecom blackout highlights the far-reaching consequences of disruptions in the country’s fuel supply chain.