Telecom operations across Nigeria are facing imminent shutdown following a diesel supply crisis triggered by the ongoing strike of petrol tanker drivers.
Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), issued a dire warning on Sunday, highlighting the severe impact of the strike on their infrastructure and operations.
Mr. Emoekpere expressed grave concern over the disruption caused by the strike, which has paralyzed truck loading operations and fuel movements due to alleged harassment of tanker drivers by Lagos State police officers.
This disruption, he emphasized, has critically affected telecom base stations and other vital infrastructure, resulting in dangerously low fuel reserves at essential sites.
“The persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers in Lagos State has effectively halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements,” Mr. Emoekpere stated.
He further underscored that unless urgent measures are taken to resolve the crisis, telecom companies may be forced to cease operations.
Such a move, he warned, would not only impact millions of users across the region, depriving them of essential communication services but also severely disrupt business operations and emergency response systems.
“This is not merely a telecom issue; it constitutes a national emergency capable of crippling economic activities and compromising public safety,” Mr. Emoekpere cautioned.
In light of the escalating crisis, Mr. Emoekpere called upon Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to intervene swiftly.
He also appealed to relevant security agencies and petroleum unions to urgently resolve the impasse to avert a potential catastrophe.
The looming threat of a telecom shutdown underscores the urgency of resolving the fuel supply crisis, with stakeholders anxiously awaiting decisive action to prevent further escalation and mitigate the widespread impact on essential services and public welfare.
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