*IHS Towers, Nigeria鈥檚 telecoms infrastructure giant, affirms the company聽聽 is collaborating with the Nigerian Communications Commission and security agencies to resolve the current diesel supply blockade against telecoms operators by the country’s oil sector unions

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

IHS Towers, Nigeria鈥檚 telecoms infrastructure giant that keeps mobile networks has disclosed it working with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and security agencies to resolve a diesel supply blockade by oil sector unions.

The leading telecoms infrastructure company reportedly operates over 16,000 base stations for the operating Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) across the West African country.

绿帽献妻 reports the face-off between the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and the Labour unions has threatened to disrupt service delivery to millions of telecoms consumers in the last few days.

It is noted that MTN Nigeria Communications Plc, Airtel Networks, Globacom Limited, and 9mobile, now known as T2, largely depend on diesel-powered generators to keep their telecoms聽 towers running due to unreliable electricity supply to several parts of the country.

Observers as well said any prolonged supply disruption risks cutting voice and data services for millions of consumers in the country鈥檚 $75 billion telecoms market.

Earlier, members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria had blocked access to key diesel depots in Lagos, Kaduna, and Koko, in Delta State.

It was gathered the disruption in the fuel supply chain to Telcos followed allegations by IHS that two companies linked to NOGASA were involved in diesel theft.

Underscoring the importance of the sector to the Nigerian economy, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in 2024, had signed an instrument that has designated telecommunications assets as part of the country’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).

Under Nigerian law, therefore, telecoms facilities having been classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure, any intentional interference with these could attract penalties from relevant authorities.

We’re working with NCC, security agencies to resolve energy crisis: IHS Towers

Responding to media enquiries over any proactive measures being taken to resolve the pressing fuel supply issue between the unions and Telcos, IHS Towers Friday, August 8, 2025, however, stated the dispute is already before the courts, and declined to share further details.

The company also noted: 鈥淲e have, in the meantime, made formal reports to the Nigerian Communications Commission and relevant security agencies, and we are working with them towards a resolution of the ongoing matter.”

Adebayo: Why ALTON does not intervene in disputes with ‘third parties’

Speaking on blockade of the diesel supply chain, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Thursday, August 7 urged the Labour unions to resolve disputes through legal and contractual channels.

Adebayo, however, warned that disruptions to telecoms services could have serious economic and security implications across Nigeria.

He also stated: 鈥淲hile ALTON does not interfere in disputes between its members and third parties, we are gravely concerned about the wider implications of this action on national infrastructure and public safety.”

According to ALTON, IHS has restated its commitment to keeping Nigeria鈥檚 critical information infrastructure running, and providing “our customers with strong network uptime despite the ongoing dispute.”

Nigerian Telcos consume over 40 million litres of diesel monthly, with annual spending exceeding $350 million, according to industry data.

Costs are about 37 percent higher for rural and off-grid sites, where dependence on diesel is greatest, a report also noted.

In a move to reduce fuel costs and minimise carbon emissions, telecoms operators, including Airtel and MTN Nigeria, are deploying hybrid energy systems combining solar panels and lithium batteries.

The NCC and GSMA as well estimated that a shift to renewables could reduce MNOs’ operating costs by 30 percent to 50 percent, according to report.

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