Telecom companies threaten shutdown over fuel tanker drivers’ strike

Telecom companies in Nigeria have threatened to shut down operations if urgent measures are not taken to end the ongoing petrol tanker drivers’ strike that resulted in a diesel supply crisis. Tony Emoekpere, the president of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, a branch of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, said in a statement on Sunday that the strike had affected their operations. Mr Emoekpere said, “The persistent harassment of tanker and petroleum product drivers by police officers in Lagos State has effectively halted all truck loading operations and fuel movements.” The ATCON boss said the disruption had affected telecom base stations and other infrastructure, leaving critical sites with very low fuel levels.
He stated that the situation was making them consider shutting down operations, which would deprive millions of users in the region from using their phones to make calls or access the internet. Mr Emoekpere warned that their proposed shutdown could also disrupt business operations and emergency response systems, adding, “This is not just a telecom issue; it is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and compromise public safety.” He urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun to intervene to prevent the crises from worsening. He also appealed to security agencies and the petroleum unions to resolve the crisis.