By Donga Ikisu
Telecoms News
Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is on the brink of a major disruption as telecom operators raise the alarm over a brewing crisis in diesel supply. The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has warned that ongoing disagreements with diesel suppliers and soaring fuel prices could lead to a crippling of critical telecom infrastructure across the country.
Diesel, which powers the majority of telecom base stations and network towers, is essential for ensuring consistent service delivery, especially in areas with poor electricity supply. However, recent tensions between network providers and independent diesel vendors have led to concerns over supply chain delays and unsustainable pricing.
Speaking on the issue, ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo said that unless urgent intervention is made, the standoff could result in mass service disruptions, including poor call quality, slow internet speeds, and in worst-case scenarios, total network blackouts in affected regions. “The telecommunications industry runs primarily on diesel, and when this supply chain is threatened, our ability to provide uninterrupted service becomes severely compromised,” Adebayo stated.
In recent months, diesel prices have surged due to global oil market volatility and domestic logistics challenges. This has forced diesel suppliers to either hike prices drastically or reduce delivery volumes to telecom firms, many of which are already burdened with rising operational costs, inflation, and multiple regulatory taxes.
Telecom operators are calling on the Federal Government and relevant energy regulatory bodies to step in and facilitate a resolution between diesel suppliers and telecom companies. They are also advocating for tax incentives or fuel subsidies specifically for the telecom sector to help absorb the shocks of soaring fuel prices and prevent a potential national connectivity crisis.
Industry stakeholders warn that if left unresolved, the diesel supply impasse could have ripple effects on banking services, online transactions, emergency response systems, and digital communications—sectors that depend heavily on stable telecom infrastructure.
As Nigeria increasingly leans on technology for economic growth, education, healthcare, and governance, the implications of a telecom shutdown could be catastrophic. The operators are urging the government to treat the situation as a national emergency.
For now, Nigerians are advised to prepare for possible service degradation and limited coverage in areas most affected by diesel supply interruptions.
