…ALTON raises alarm over threat to national infrastructure
A nationwide disruption of telecom services may be imminent as two major oil sector unions—the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA)—have reportedly blocked the supply of diesel to thousands of telecommunications sites operated by IHS Nigeria Limited.
The development, which industry insiders say could lead to a telecom blackout, followed the unions’ decision to halt diesel loading at critical depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko in Delta State, effectively grounding fuel supply to over 16,000 base transceiver stations powered by IHS across the country.
The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), which sounded the alarm on Thursday, said the action is linked to an ongoing business dispute between IHS and a vendor, Comrade Benneth Korie, who is also the President of NOGASA and CEO of Empire Energy Limited and BB King Oil (WA) Limited.
ALTON Chairman, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, described the move as a “deliberate sabotage of critical national infrastructure”, warning that if the disruption persists, telecom services for major operators such as MTN and Airtel could collapse, with grave consequences for mobile communications, banking operations, security networks, and emergency services nationwide.
“This blockade is not only unlawful but dangerously irresponsible. The base stations affected provide essential services to hospitals, banks, emergency services, and national security agencies. We are on the verge of a total communication shutdown if immediate steps are not taken,” Adebayo stated.
The conflict reportedly dates back to early 2024, when IHS accused Korie’s companies of hoarding and diverting over 19 million litres of diesel meant for powering telecom towers.
The case is currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), with Korie facing charges related to criminal diversion of petroleum products.
Despite court orders and several reconciliation meetings held in July 2025, both parties have failed to reach a resolution. IHS alleges that Korie, leveraging his position as NOGASA president, is orchestrating the blockade to arm-twist the company into dropping legal charges and settling unresolved commercial claims.
In a strongly worded appeal, ALTON has called on the National Security Adviser, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other relevant government agencies to urgently intervene before the situation spirals out of control.
“We urge the unions to allow the law to take its course. This form of industrial aggression threatens not only the telecom sector but the entire national economy and internal security,” ALTON’s statement read.
As of press time, efforts to reach NUPENG and NOGASA leadership for comments were unsuccessful.
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