Diesel Blockade Puts Millions Of Phone Users At Risk

Nigeria’s telecommunications regulator and IHS Towers are working together to resolve a diesel supply crisis that could disrupt mobile services for millions of people.

The dispute involves oil industry unions who have blocked fuel deliveries to key sites, threatening communication networks across the country.

The problem started earlier this week when members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria restricted access to major diesel depots in Lagos, Kaduna, and Koko in Delta State. Their action followed accusations from IHS that companies linked to the unions were involved in diesel theft, a claim now under investigation.

IHS, which operates more than 16,000 telecom base stations for major networks including MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, relies heavily on diesel to power its sites due to Nigeria’s unreliable electricity supply. With deliveries halted, the risk of towers shutting down is growing, which could cut off voice and internet services for millions of subscribers.

The telecommunications sector is a vital part of Nigeria’s economy, valued at about $75 billion, and disruptions could affect banking, security, business operations, and daily communication. Industry leaders have urged the unions to resolve disputes through proper legal channels to avoid damaging essential services.

Telecom facilities are classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure under Nigerian law, meaning any intentional disruption can attract penalties. Despite the ongoing crisis, IHS has pledged to keep services running and maintain strong network availability.

Nigeria’s mobile industry consumes over 40 million litres of diesel each month, costing more than $350 million a year. Rural and off-grid areas face higher costs because they depend almost entirely on diesel generators. To reduce expenses and cut emissions, telecom operators are increasingly investing in hybrid systems that combine solar power and lithium batteries. Studies by the Nigerian Communications Commission and the GSMA show that switching to renewable energy could lower operating costs by up to half.

This dispute has raised concerns not only about fuel supply security but also about the need for long-term solutions that can protect the country’s communication networks from similar threats in the future.