TELECOMMUNICATIONS operators have expressed deep concerns about ongoing disruptions to the supply logistics of diesel to cell sites across the country.

The operators under the aegies of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) in a statement, Thursday, signed by the Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, said the body has 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.

ALTON said this action, reportedly stemming from allegations by IHS of diesel misappropriation against two 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.

The telcos body noted that 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.

ALTON noted that while it 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,” it stated.

ALTON also reminded all stakeholders that telecommunications infrastructure has been officially classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Nigerian law.

It stressed that 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,” ALTON stated.