The telecom infrastructure in Lagos and Ogun States is facing a critical fuel shortage, which could lead to widespread mobile network disruptions affecting millions of Nigerians. The issue arose from a dispute between the Lagos government and fuel truckers, resulting in halted diesel deliveries to power the essential telecom towers in the region.
The standoff has left tower companies like American Tower Corporation (ATC) and IHS Towers struggling to keep their sites operational. As a result, users are experiencing slower browsing speeds, dropped calls, and intermittent service failures. If the fuel supply is not restored promptly, there is a looming threat of a complete blackout that could disrupt crucial services such as banking, e-commerce, and communication in one of Africa’s most digitally connected markets.
The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) initiated the strike in response to alleged harassment by Lagos officials, demanding better treatment for the fuel truckers. The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has also raised concerns about the dwindling diesel supply, urging the intervention of state governors to ensure the continuous operation of affected sites.
This fuel crisis underscores the vulnerability of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, heavily reliant on generators due to an unreliable power grid. If the issue persists, it could severely impact businesses, financial transactions, and emergency services in the region.