There are growing fears of fuel scarcity in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria as petroleum tanker drivers have stopped loading due to alleged harassment by officials of the Lagos State Government and the Federal Ministry of Transportation.
Telecommunication companies have also raised concerns about a potential network blackout, as the strike could disrupt diesel supply, affecting mobile and internet services nationwide.
Why Tanker Drivers Stopped Loading
Reports indicate that truck drivers were unable to load fuel on Saturday and Sunday, raising concerns about shortages. The National President of the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), Yusuf Othman, stated that their members are being harassed and their trucks seized by government officials.
“The problem we have now is that the task force in Lagos State has towed our trucks, they are beating our drivers, and they have damaged the vehicle of the union. Because of this, there was no loading on Saturday and Sunday, and I don’t know if there will be any form of loading on Monday,” Othman explained.
He further warned that the continued crackdown on tanker drivers could severely impact fuel distribution, noting that “no refinery or depot can operate without vehicles to transport their products.”
Lagos State Government Responds
The Lagos State Government has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that it is simply enforcing its e-call-up system to regulate traffic around the Dangote Refinery corridor.
The Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, Wale Musa, said the government is committed to preventing another Apapa-style traffic gridlock.
“If it is the same issue, the enforcement is to ensure compliance with our e-call-up system. We won’t allow them to turn that place into another Apapa. Their attempt at blackmail will not work,” Musa stated.
Telecom Industry Warns of Network Blackout
Telecommunication companies have also raised the alarm, warning that prolonged disruptions in diesel supply could affect mobile and internet services across the country.
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) stressed that network providers rely on diesel to power base stations, and any shortage could result in widespread service disruptions.
“If diesel supply is disrupted, it will impact network operations because telcos rely on diesel to power their sites almost daily,” ATCON President Tony Emoekpere explained.
He urged security agencies and state governors to intervene quickly to prevent a national emergency that could affect businesses and public safety.
As the crisis continues, Nigerians brace for potential fuel scarcity and telecom service disruptions if a resolution is not reached soon.
