Lagos and other parts of Nigeria may soon experience fuel scarcity as petroleum tanker drivers have halted fuel loading, citing alleged harassment by officials of the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
The ongoing strike has also raised concerns among telecommunications companies, warning that disruptions in diesel supply could lead to network blackouts, affecting mobile and internet services across the country.
Tanker Drivers Protest Harassment
The truck drivers reportedly ceased fuel loading on Saturday and Sunday, sparking fears of a looming crisis. However, the Lagos State Government insists it is merely enforcing its e-call-up system, a digital platform introduced in September 2024 to regulate truck movements along the Lekki-Epe corridor and prevent congestion.
Speaking on the issue, the National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, lamented that truck drivers were frequently harassed, beaten, and had their vehicles seized by government officials.
“The Lagos State task force has been towing our trucks, assaulting our drivers, and even damaging our union’s vehicles. Because of this, there was no fuel loading on Saturday or Sunday, and I can’t say for sure if it will resume on Monday,” Othman said.
He warned that the continuous crackdown on fuel trucks could have serious consequences. “There are no refineries or depots that can operate without transport vehicles. Authorities must find a way to ensure peaceful coexistence between all stakeholders,” he added.
Lagos Government Responds
In response, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Wale Musa, defended the government’s actions, stating that efforts were being made to regulate traffic around the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
“We are enforcing the e-call-up system to prevent the area from turning into another Apapa, which was known for gridlock. Any attempt to blackmail the state government will not work,” Musa stated.
Telcos Raise Alarm Over Possible Blackout
The crisis has sparked fears of a nationwide network blackout as telecommunications operators depend on diesel to power their base stations.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) warned that if diesel supply remains disrupted, millions of Nigerians could face service interruptions.
“Telecom networks rely on diesel for daily operations. While some sites have backup reserves, many are already running low. If this situation is not addressed immediately, we could see widespread service disruptions,” ATCON President Tony Emoekpere warned.
Telecom giants such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile depend on infrastructure providers like IHS Towers and American Tower Company to maintain and power their base stations using diesel generators.
Urgent Intervention Needed
ATCON has called on the Lagos and Ogun state governments to intervene by facilitating diesel supply to telecom operators to prevent disruptions.
“This is not just a telecom issue; it is a national emergency. A prolonged fuel crisis could cripple economic activities and threaten public safety,” Emoekpere stressed.
The association also urged security agencies and petroleum unions to find an urgent resolution to the crisis, warning that millions of Nigerians could face significant disruptions in their daily lives if diesel supply is not restored immediately.