Telecom Blackout Looms as NUPENG, NOGASA Block Diesel Supply to IHS Sites
A major disruption to Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure may be imminent as oil sector unions have been accused of attempting to cripple diesel supply to telecommunications facilities operated by IHS Companies nationwide.The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) on Tuesday, reportedly blocked access to diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko (Delta State), preventing diesel distribution to thousands of base transceiver stations powered by IHS across the country.
The unions’ action according to a statement issued by the The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), is said to be linked to an ongoing dispute between IHS Companies and a vendor, Comrade Benneth Korie, who owns Empire Energy Limited and BB King Oil (WA) Limited.
Korie, who is also the president of NOGASA, is alleged to have instigated the unions to block diesel lifting to pressure IHS over unresolved business disagreements.“Over 16,000 telecom sites managed by IHS, powering key networks like MTN and Airtel, as well as services for banks, hospitals, and security agencies are affected. The disruption of diesel supply, if prolonged, could lead to a nationwide shutdown of mobile and data services, banking transactions, emergency communications, and critical security operations”.
The Chairman of ALTON, Engr. Gbenga Adebayo further stated. The crisis reportedly began in early 2024 when IHS accused Korie’s companies of hoarding and illegally selling over 19 million litres of diesel meant for powering telecom towers. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently prosecuting Korie for criminal diversion of diesel. Despite court interventions and meetings in July 2025 aimed at resolving the matter, no agreement has been reached. IHS has accused Korie of using his union leadership position to manipulate NUPENG and NOGASA against the company, describing the move as a “direct assault on critical national infrastructure.”
The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) has called on the National Security Adviser, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other relevant agencies to intervene.ALTON urged the unions to allow the legal process to take its course and warned that further disruption could severely impact Nigeria’s economy and internal security.
