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The telecommunications companies in Nigeria have issued a warning of potential shutdowns if prompt actions are not taken to resolve the ongoing strike by petrol tanker drivers, which has caused a diesel supply crisis.
President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, Tony Emoekpere, linked to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, stated on Sunday that the strike has disrupted their operations.
The ATCON leader noted that the disruption has impacted telecom base stations and other facilities, leaving essential locations with critically low fuel supplies.
He explained, “The continuous harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police in Lagos State has effectively stalled all truck loading and fuel transport activities.”
The ATCON leader further remarked that this disruption has hindered telecom base stations and other critical infrastructure, leaving key sites with dangerously low fuel reserves.
He indicated that this situation is forcing them to contemplate shutting down operations, which would prevent millions of users in the area from making calls or accessing the internet.
Emoekpere cautioned that such a shutdown could also interfere with business activities and emergency response efforts, emphasizing, “This is not merely a telecom matter; it is a national crisis that could paralyze economic operations and jeopardize public safety.”
He called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to step in to avert further escalation of the crisis.
He also urged security forces and petroleum unions to find a resolution to the issue.
