Approximately 16,000 telecom sites could potentially shut down due to disrupted diesel supply, as oil workers inhibit its delivery.
A dispute between the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), and one of their members, AT&T, is causing a blockage of diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Delta states. This blockage has the potential to lead to a shutdown of telecom sites across Nigeria, posing a critical threat to the operation of thousands of AT&T sites nationwide.
AT&T, one of Nigeria's largest telecommunications infrastructure providers, has been prevented from receiving diesel due to the blockage. This situation is of grave concern as these sites provide mobile and internet services for millions of Nigerians, as well as supporting essential services such as banking transactions, hospital communications, emergency response systems, and national security operations.
The dispute is reportedly over allegations of diesel misappropriation. The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria, along with its two member companies, initiated negotiations regarding these allegations. However, these talks have disrupted diesel supply to AT&T sites in Nigeria, causing supply interruptions.
The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has warned that over 16,000 AT&T base stations may shut down in the coming days. This potential shutdown could have significant impacts on national security and the economy. ALTON reaffirmed its commitment to delivering quality and resilient telecom services to Nigerians but warned that continued obstruction to operational logistics could derail these efforts and have far-reaching consequences.
ALTON has appealed to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other key stakeholders to intervene to prevent a potential nationwide communications blackout. Adebayo, a representative of ALTON, urged all parties involved to embrace constructive dialogue to resolve the matter, without further disruption to essential services.
It is worth noting that telecom infrastructure has been officially designated as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Nigerian law. Any deliberate disruption or blockade impacting operations could carry serious legal consequences.
ALTON has also urged NUPENG and NOGASA to call their members to order and restore access to diesel supply locations. The investigation of the allegations by the requisite authorities is ongoing.
In conclusion, the current dispute between NUPENG, NOGASA, and AT&T is a matter of national importance. The potential shutdown of AT&T sites could have significant impacts on national security and the economy. It is crucial that all parties involved prioritize the resolution of this dispute in a manner that ensures the continuity of essential services for the Nigerian people.
