Millions of Nigerians could soon face widespread mobile network disruptions as telecom towers in Lagos and Ogun States run dangerously low on diesel. A standoff between fuel truckers and the Lagos State government has halted diesel deliveries, cutting off the primary power source for telecom sites in Nigeria’s largest commercial hub.
The crisis stems from an ongoing dispute between the Lagos government and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). In protest against alleged harassment by state officials, fuel truckers have suspended operations, leaving tower companies—including American Tower Corporation (ATC) and IHS Towers—scrambling for fuel to keep their towers running.
With over 60% of Nigeria’s national data traffic flowing through Lagos, the potential impact is severe. Mobile users already report slower browsing speeds, dropped calls, and intermittent service failures. If fuel supplies aren’t restored soon, telecom operators fear an impending blackout that could disrupt banking services, e-commerce, and essential communication in one of Africa’s most connected markets.
NUPENG Secretary General Wale Afolabi told TechCabal the strike was triggered by Lagos officials allegedly deflating truck tires and arresting drivers over parking violations. The truckers, he explained, typically make early morning diesel deliveries to avoid accidents on Lagos’ poorly maintained roads.
“We decided to withhold our services until the government acknowledges that these truckers are human beings too,” Afolabi stated. “We don’t know how long this will last, but we demand that the Lagos government repair the damaged trucks, release the arrested drivers, and fix the union’s vehicle.”
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has also raised urgent concerns over the fuel shortage. In a letter seen by TechCabal, ATCON President Tony Izuagbe Emoekpere warned that many telecom sites in Lagos and Ogun State are running critically low on diesel.
“We respectfully request the urgent intervention of the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to facilitate diesel from the depot, ensuring uninterrupted operation of our affected telecom sites,” Emoekpere said.
The diesel crisis exposes the fragility of Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, which remains heavily reliant on generators due to the country’s unreliable power grid. With Lagos at the center of Nigeria’s digital economy, prolonged network outages could stall businesses, financial transactions, and emergency services across the region.
