The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has warned of a potential nationwide communications blackout following a diesel supply blockade threatening the operation of 16,000 telecommunications sites.

In a press release issued on Thursday, August 7, and signed by ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, the group explained that members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) blocked access to diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko, Delta State. This action has halted the distribution of diesel to thousands of sites managed by IHS Towers, a key ALTON member.

The dispute reportedly originated from allegations by IHS Towers of diesel misappropriation against two NOGASA member companies. ALTON, while not interfering directly in the dispute, expressed deep concern over the wider implications for national infrastructure and public safety.

The affected sites are critical for powering mobile and internet services for over 140 million Nigerians. They also support essential functions such as banking transactions, hospital communications, emergency response systems, and national security operations. ALTON emphasised that any sustained disruption would severely undermine these vital services.

The association called on the leadership of NUPENG and NOGASA to intervene immediately and restore access to the supply locations. It urged all parties to seek resolution through constructive dialogue and legal processes rather than actions that endanger the entire industry.

ALTON also reminded stakeholders that telecommunications infrastructure is legally designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Federal Government Gazette No. 133, Volume 108, dated March 17, 2021. Deliberate disruption of these assets is considered a serious threat to national security and economic stability, carrying strict legal consequences.

To avert the impending crisis, ALTON made an urgent appeal to relevant government bodies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the Department of State Services (DSS), to intervene and prevent the looming communications blackout.