The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body for mobile network operators, tower companies, and telecommunications infrastructure providers in Nigeria, has expressed deep concern over ongoing disruptions to the supply of diesel to telecom cell sites across the country.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, on Thursday, ALTON said it had received credible reports that members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) on Tuesday blocked access to diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko (Delta State). The blockade reportedly prevented the distribution of diesel to thousands of telecom sites operated by one of its key members, IHS Towers.
According to Adebayo, the action—allegedly prompted by claims made by IHS regarding diesel misappropriation involving two NOGASA member companies—poses a critical threat to the operations of some 16,000 telecommunications sites nationwide.
“These sites not only power mobile and internet services for millions of Nigerians,” the statement noted, “but also support essential services such as banking transactions, hospital communications, emergency response systems, and national security operations.”
While ALTON acknowledged that it does not typically interfere in disputes between its members and third parties, Adebayo said the association is “gravely concerned about the wider implications of this action on national infrastructure and public safety.”
He praised NUPENG and NOGASA for their historical contributions to Nigeria’s energy supply and development, but warned against actions that could endanger critical national infrastructure.
“We hereby request that uninterrupted access be granted to diesel supply locations,” Adebayo said, “and we urge all parties involved to embrace constructive dialogue to resolve the matter without further disruption to essential services.”
He reminded all stakeholders that telecommunications infrastructure is officially classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Nigerian law, and that any deliberate disruption or blockade affecting such infrastructure constitutes a serious threat to national security and economic stability—and could attract strict legal consequences.
Adebayo called on the leadership of NUPENG and NOGASA to intervene and call their members to order.
“Disputes must be resolved within the framework of lawful contracts and applicable legal processes,” he added, “without resorting to actions that endanger an entire industry and the lives and livelihoods that depend on it.”
The ALTON chairman also appealed to relevant authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other critical stakeholders, to urgently intervene to forestall a looming nationwide communications blackout.
