Telecom blackout looms as NUPENG, NOGASA choke Diesel supply to IHS Towers

Nigeria is on the brink of a telecommunications blackout as oil sector unions, NUPENG and NOGASA have allegedly launched a coordinated blockade of diesel supplies to telecom infrastructure managed by IHS Towers, threatening to paralyse mobile networks and critical services nationwide.

The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) sounded the alarm on Tuesday, revealing that union operatives have shut down access to key diesel depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko (Delta State), cutting off lifeline fuel supplies to over 16,000 base transceiver stations powering networks such as MTN, Airtel, and essential services including banking, emergency response, and national security operations.

At the heart of the crisis is Comrade Benneth Korie, President of NOGASA and owner of Empire Energy Ltd and BB King Oil (WA) Ltd, who is accused of orchestrating the blockade to pressure IHS over a long-standing business feud.

According to ALTON, the standoff stems from allegations that Korie’s firms hoarded and illegally diverted over 19 million litres of diesel meant for powering telecom towers, a case now being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“This is not just a business dispute; it’s a deliberate attack on national infrastructure,” said Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON Chairman.

“If diesel supply remains blocked, we are looking at a potential shutdown of voice and data services, banking systems, hospital communications, and even security coordination nationwide.”

IHS has accused Korie of weaponising his influence over NUPENG and NOGASA, using the unions as leverage in an attempt to derail due process, despite ongoing litigation and reconciliation efforts, including high-level meetings held in July 2025.

The situation has escalated into a national security concern. ALTON has urgently called for intervention by the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the NSCDC, and other critical agencies.

“This is no longer a labour issue, it’s an existential threat to Nigeria’s digital and economic lifelines,” ALTON warned, urging the unions to stand down and respect the rule of law.

If the deadlock persists, millions of Nigerians could face widespread service outages, grounding financial transactions, emergency calls, data access, and security operations in what could become an unprecedented national shutdown.