The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has warned of a potential network blackout due to an ongoing strike by petroleum tanker drivers. ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere, said the strike, caused by alleged harassment of drivers by police in Lagos State, has halted fuel deliveries, severely impacting diesel supply to telecom base stations.
Mr. Emoekpere stated that critical sites are running dangerously low on fuel, and if the situation is not resolved urgently, it could lead to a complete network shutdown. This would disrupt mobile and internet access, business operations, emergency services, and daily communications for millions of users.
ATCON is calling on the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to intervene and facilitate the release of diesel to telecom operators. Mr. Emoekpere described the situation as a “national emergency” that could cripple economic activity and compromise public safety.
The association has also appealed to security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the dispute quickly to protect Nigeria’s connectivity and economic stability. ATCON emphasized the potentially severe consequences of a prolonged fuel supply disruption for businesses and individuals reliant on stable communication networks.
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