The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has sounded the alarm over a critical diesel supply shortage, warning that telecom operations across the country face an imminent shutdown if the crisis is not urgently addressed.
According to ATCON, the persistent scarcity of diesel, a key fuel source for powering telecommunications infrastructure, has placed enormous strain on operators, threatening to disrupt mobile and internet services nationwide. The association urged the government and relevant stakeholders to intervene immediately to prevent a nationwide communications blackout.
“This diesel crisis is a severe threat to the telecommunications sector,” said a spokesperson for ATCON. “If operators can no longer power their base stations and other critical infrastructure, millions of Nigerians will experience network failures, which will impact businesses, financial transactions, emergency services, and general communication.”
Nigeria’s telecom industry is heavily reliant on diesel-powered generators due to the country’s erratic power supply. Many cell towers and data centers depend on backup power systems fueled by diesel to maintain connectivity.
The shortage, attributed to supply chain disruptions and soaring fuel prices, has already caused operational difficulties for several telecom providers. If the situation persists, industry experts warn that service disruptions could occur within days, affecting calls, data services, and digital transactions nationwide.
ATCON called on the Nigerian government to explore urgent solutions, including prioritizing diesel supply to telecom firms and providing temporary subsidies to ease financial pressures on operators. The association also urged regulatory agencies to engage with oil marketers to resolve supply bottlenecks.
As the crisis unfolds, Nigerians are advised to prepare for potential network instability and seek alternative communication methods where possible. Meanwhile, industry players continue to push for long-term strategies, such as increased investment in alternative power sources, to reduce dependence on diesel in the future.
The government has yet to issue an official response to ATCON’s warning, but with the potential for nationwide disruptions looming, stakeholders hope for swift and decisive action to avert a communications crisis.
