Nationwide Telecom Blackout Looms Due to Diesel Shortage—ATCON Warns

    0
    35

    The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has raised alarm over an ongoing diesel supply crisis, warning that telecom operations across the country are at risk of shutting down.

    In a statement on Sunday, ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, revealed that fuel supply disruptions caused by a strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers are critically affecting telecom base stations, endangering mobile and internet services for millions of users.

    Emoekpere explained that the strike stems from the continuous harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State, leading to a complete halt in truck loading operations and fuel distribution.

    With many telecom sites running low on diesel, ATCON cautioned that without immediate intervention, a total network shutdown could occur, disrupting mobile and internet services, emergency response systems, and daily communications nationwide.

    The association has called on the Lagos and Ogun state governments to facilitate the release of diesel from depots to telecom operators to avert the looming crisis.

    “This goes beyond telecom—it is a national emergency that could paralyze economic activities and compromise public safety,” Emoekpere emphasized.

    ATCON also urged security agencies and petroleum unions to swiftly resolve the crisis, warning that prolonged disruptions could severely impact businesses and individuals who depend on stable communication networks.