The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has issued a serious warning about potential nationwide disruptions to telecom services due to a blockade of diesel depots by members of petroleum workers unions.
In a statement released on Thursday, ALTON’s chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, confirmed that the association had received credible reports that the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) had blocked access to key diesel depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Delta states.
The blockade has severely disrupted the distribution of diesel to telecom sites operated by IHS Towers, a key provider of telecom infrastructure and an ALTON member. This development is reportedly in response to an ongoing investigation into allegations of diesel misappropriation made by IHS against two NOGASA-affiliated companies.
Adebayo warned that the blockade could have a far-reaching impact, potentially affecting over 16,000 telecom sites across the country. These sites are crucial not only for mobile and internet services but also for critical sectors such as banking, emergency services, and national security.
“While ALTON does not intervene in disputes between its members and third parties, we are deeply concerned about the broader implications of this action on national infrastructure and public safety,” Adebayo stated.
He also emphasized that telecom infrastructure is legally classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Nigerian law. “Any disruption to its operation poses a serious threat to national security and economic stability, which would attract severe legal consequences,” he warned.
ALTON is urging the leadership of NUPENG and NOGASA to intervene and resolve the situation through lawful channels. “We trust that NUPENG and NOGASA will continue to uphold national development while ensuring essential services are not jeopardized,” Adebayo added.
The association has also called on the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other relevant authorities to step in urgently to prevent a potential communications blackout.
In closing, ALTON reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining reliable telecom services across Nigeria but noted that disruptions of this nature severely hinder its members’ ability to deliver on that promise.
