*The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria laments the ongoing strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers is ‘severely disrupting the diesel supply to members鈥� base stations in Lagos and Ogun states, causing significant concern as numerous telecoms sites are now critically low on diesel, threatening service disruptions and consumers’ quality of experience

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Against the backdrop of the ongoing strike by the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) wing of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has said telecommunications services in Lagos and Ogun states risk blackouts in the two states, in the South-West region of the country.

ATCON, which disclosed this development in a statement Sunday, February 23, 2025, however, seeks 鈥榰rgent intervention鈥� of the governors of Lagos and Ogun states, as the PTD members’ industrial action threatens operations in the telecoms sector of the economy.

Tony Emoekpere, President of ATCON, in the statement, said the strike which began Sunday morning, is in protest against the alleged persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by Police officers in Lagos State. Emoekpere noted that all truck loading operations and movements have been suspended indefinitely, pending further notice.

On impact of energy crisis in Telcos’ operations, consumer experience

ATCON also stated that the current strike is disrupting diesel supply to telecoms base stations, with negative consequences on the Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs) Quality of Service (QoS) and consumer experience in the affected areas.

The statement further explained how diesel is crucial for powering telecoms infrastructure, like base stations, which rely on generators because of unreliable grid electricity.

Unconfirmed industry data as well estimated that network operators use an average of 40 million litres of diesel per month to power telecoms sites in Nigeria.

Emoekpere further lamented: “The ongoing strike is severely disrupting the diesel supply to our members鈥� base stations in Lagos and Ogun States, causing significant concern as numerous telecoms sites are now critically low on diesel, threatening service disruptions.”

The Association, however, urged the Governors of Lagos and Ogun States to de-escalate the situation and facilitate access to diesel from depots.

The President of ATCON added: 鈥淭his is not just a telecoms issue鈥攊t is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety.”

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