The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body for all
mobile network operators, tower companies, and telecommunications infrastructure providers in Nigeria, is
deeply concerned about ongoing disruptions to the supply logistics of diesel to cell sites across the
country.
We have received credible reports that members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas
Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), on
Tuesday, blocked access to diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko (Delta State), preventing
the distribution of diesel to thousands of telecommunications sites operated by one of our key members,
IHS Towers.
This action, reportedly stemming from allegations by IHS of diesel misappropriation against 2 member
companies of NOGASA and which is being investigated by the requisite authorities, has resulted in a
critical threat to the operation of some of the 16,000 telecommunications sites nationwide, servicing
Mobile Network Operators. These sites not only power mobile and internet services for millions of
Nigerians, but also support essential services such as banking transactions, hospital communications,
emergency response systems, and national security operations.
While ALTON does not necessarily interfere in disputes between its members and third parties, we are
gravely concerned about the wider implications of this action on national infrastructure and public safety.
We recognize and deeply respect the vital role NOGASA and NUPENG have played in sustaining
Nigeria’s energy supply chain and supporting national development over the years, and we trust that they
will continue to uphold these values by ensuring that their actions do not jeopardize critical national
infrastructure or public welfare.
We hereby request that uninterrupted access be granted to the Diesel supply locations, and we urge all
parties involved to embrace constructive dialogue to resolve the matter, without further disruption to
essential services..
We also remind all stakeholders that telecommunications infrastructure has been officially classified as
Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Nigerian law. Any deliberate disruption or
blockade that affects the operation of such infrastructure constitutes a serious threat to national security
and economic stability and will attract strict legal consequences.
We call on the leadership of NUPENG and NOGASA, our highly respected trade unions, to intervene by
calling their members to order. Disputes must be resolved within the framework of lawful contracts and
applicable legal processes, without resorting to actions that endanger the operations of an entire industry
and the lives and livelihoods that depend on it.
We also call on relevant authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the
Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other critical stakeholders, to urgently intervene to
forestall a looming nationwide communications blackout.
ALTON remains fully committed to ensuring quality, reliable, and resilient telecommunications services for
all Nigerians. However, disruptions of this nature undermine our members' ability to maintain and improve
service delivery and threaten the integrity of the country’s digital and communications ecosystem.
Thank you.
Engr. Gbenga Adebayo
Chairman
Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON)
Lagos, Nigeria
