Fuel Crisis Looms as Tanker Drivers Halt Operations Over Alleged Harassment
Severe fuel scarcity is imminent in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria as petroleum tanker drivers have halted fuel loading, citing alleged harassment by officials of the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
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Beyond the fuel crisis, telecommunications companies have raised alarm over potential network disruptions. The ongoing strike by petroleum tanker drivers threatens the supply of diesel, which is crucial for powering mobile and internet services.
Disruptions to Fuel Supply
Investigations by The Punch revealed that fuel loading was halted over the weekend, raising concerns about an impending scarcity in Lagos and other states. The National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, accused government officials of unfair treatment, including the impoundment of trucks and physical attacks on drivers.
“The problem we have now is that the task force in Lagos State has towed our trucks, beaten our drivers, and damaged union vehicles,” Othman said. “Because of this, there was no loading on Saturday and Sunday, and I cannot confirm if fuel loading will resume on Monday.”
When asked if the strike could result in fuel shortages, Othman responded, “I cannot say for sure, but there has been no loading for two days now. The Lagos task force continues to seize our vehicles and impose fines without justification. How will fuel be distributed if tanker drivers are not allowed to operate?”
He also clarified that the ongoing crisis is unrelated to the federal government’s ban on 60,000 trucks, attributing the unrest solely to actions by the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
Lagos State Government Defends Enforcement
Reacting to the allegations, the Lagos State Government maintained that its enforcement actions aim to prevent gridlock around the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Wale Musa, defended the government’s stance, stating, “I am aware of recent enforcement activities at the Dangote refinery axis. These efforts are to ensure compliance with our e-call-up system, which was introduced to prevent a recurrence of the traffic congestion that once plagued Apapa.”
He dismissed claims of blackmail, insisting that “orderly compliance is in everyone’s best interest.”
Telecom Operators Fear Network Disruptions
Meanwhile, major telecommunications firms have expressed concerns that the ongoing strike could disrupt their operations. The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), which represents key players in the telecom industry, warned that the diesel supply crisis could impact network availability nationwide.
“If diesel supply is disrupted, telecom operations will suffer because many base stations rely on diesel generators for daily operations,” said ATCON President, Tony Emoekpere. “Some sites already have critically low diesel reserves, and if the strike persists, service disruptions are inevitable.”
Telecom providers such as MTN, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile depend on third-party infrastructure companies—such as IHS Towers, American Tower Company, and Pan African Towers—to maintain and power their base stations with diesel. With the strike in effect, these companies are reportedly struggling to secure adequate fuel supplies.
Emoekpere stressed the need for urgent intervention. “Telecom infrastructure is critical national infrastructure and should not be left vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. The government must act swiftly to ensure continued diesel availability for telecom operations,” he urged.
Call for Government Intervention
ATCON has appealed to the governors of Lagos and Ogun states to facilitate the release of diesel from depots to telecom operators, warning that failure to do so could result in economic disruptions and compromised public safety.
“This is not just a telecom issue—it is a national emergency,” Emoekpere warned. “A total blackout would cripple businesses, financial transactions, and emergency response systems. The government must ensure that petroleum unions and security agencies resolve this issue immediately.”
Potential Fallout
If the strike continues, millions of Nigerians could face fuel shortages, increased transportation costs, and communication blackouts. The ongoing standoff underscores the urgent need for dialogue between tanker drivers and government officials to prevent a full-blown crisis.
As negotiations remain uncertain, Nigerians are bracing for the possible ripple effects of a prolonged fuel and diesel supply disruption. All eyes are now on the authorities to take swift action before the situation spirals out of control.
Reference
Fuel Crisis Looms as Tanker Drivers Halt Operations Over Alleged Harassment