By SpringsNewsNG, February 24, 2025

A looming fuel scarcity threatens Lagos and other parts of Nigeria as tanker drivers have halted fuel loading over alleged harassment by officials of the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Transportation.

Telecommunications companies have also raised concerns over a potential network blackout, warning that the ongoing strike by petroleum tanker drivers could disrupt diesel supply, thereby threatening mobile and internet services.

Reports indicate that fuel trucks were unable to load fuel on Saturday and Sunday, fueling fears of a shortage across multiple states.

Transport Owners Decry Harassment

The National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, Yusuf Othman, lamented the treatment of truck drivers by government officials. According to him, members of his association face frequent beatings and harassment for no apparent reason. He accused authorities of seizing and damaging their trucks, leading to the halt in fuel loading.

“The task force in Lagos State has towed our trucks and assaulted our drivers. They even damaged one of the union’s vehicles. Because of this, there was no loading on Saturday, no loading on Sunday, and I am unsure whether loading will resume on Monday,” Othman stated.

Asked whether this would result in fuel scarcity, he replied, “I don’t know, but what I do know is that loading hasn’t happened for two days, and if this continues, there could be shortages. The Lagos task force is impounding vehicles, imposing fines, and disrupting operations. The government must find a way for us to coexist peacefully.”

Othman clarified that this issue is unrelated to the recent ban on 60,000 trucks, stating that it is an enforcement action by Lagos State and the Federal Ministry of Transport.

Lagos Government Responds

In response, the Lagos State Government defended its actions, stating that it was enforcing its e-call-up system to prevent traffic congestion along the Dangote Petroleum Refinery corridor.

Wale Musa, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, explained, “I am aware of the enforcement at the Dangote refinery axis. It is aimed at ensuring compliance with our e-call-up system. We will not allow them to turn that place into another Apapa. Their attempt at blackmail will not work. We urge compliance for everyone’s benefit.”

Telecom Operators Fear Service Disruption

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has sounded an alarm over the potential impact of the fuel crisis on telecom services. The strike could disrupt diesel supplies, which are crucial for powering network infrastructure.

“If diesel supply is disrupted, network operations will be affected because telcos rely on diesel to power their sites,” ATCON President Tony Emoekpere said. “Many sites have reserve tanks, but some are already running low. If this continues, services could be compromised.”

Telecom providers such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile depend on infrastructure firms like IHS Towers and American Tower Company to power their base stations. These companies use diesel generators to maintain connectivity.

Emoekpere called for urgent contingency measures to protect critical telecom infrastructure, emphasizing that disruptions could severely impact businesses and individuals.

“This is a national emergency that could cripple economic activities and public safety. We urge the Lagos and Ogun State governments to facilitate diesel distribution to telecom operators to prevent further disruptions,” he said.

ATCON also called on security agencies and petroleum unions to resolve the crisis swiftly to safeguard Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure. Without immediate intervention, millions of Nigerians may experience communication disruptions, affecting essential services and economic operations.

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