Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has officially acknowledged that the recent deterioration in mobile and data services experienced across parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) is directly linked to disruptions in diesel supply to critical telecommunications infrastructure, particularly base stations serving subscribers in the nation’s capital. The regulator’s statement, issued on December 12, 2025, reflects growing concern over fueling challenges that have hampered network operations and impacted quality of service for millions of users.
In a public release, Nnenna Ukoha, head of public affairs for the NCC, explained that the diesel supply interruptions affected sites powered by IHS Nigeria Limited, a major colocation and power provisioning firm relied upon by leading operators such as MTN Nigeria and Airtel Networks. These base stations, lacking stable grid electricity, depend heavily on diesel-powered generators to maintain continuous service — a vulnerability that has become increasingly acute amid fuel logistics challenges.
The commission attributed the disruption to activities involving the National Oil and Gas Suppliers Association (NOGASA), which reportedly impeded the delivery of diesel to several telecommunications sites, leaving generators unable to sustain full operations. As a result, subscribers in several high-density urban districts of Abuja have complained of dropped calls, slow data speeds and intermittent connectivity over recent days.
“Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure remains heavily reliant on independent power sources due to persistent gaps in grid electricity,” the NCC noted in its statement, underlining the inherent fragility of service continuity when access to fuel is constrained. The regulator acknowledged the inconvenience caused to users and affirmed that it is coordinating with relevant stakeholders to find both immediate and longer-term solutions to the fuel supply bottlenecks.
Network disruptions have become a flashpoint for consumer dissatisfaction in recent months, as Nigerians increasingly depend on mobile connectivity for work, banking, education and social communication. In densely populated areas like the FCT, even brief outages can have ripple effects on commerce and emergency communications, amplifying public frustration.
Communications analysts say the current situation highlights deeper structural issues in Nigeria’s power and telecommunications sectors. Many base stations across urban and rural Nigeria rely on diesel generators because of the erratic performance of the national grid. This dependence, while long recognised, leaves network providers and regulators vulnerable to supply chain disruptions, price volatility and industrial actions by fuel suppliers.
The NCC’s engagement plan includes active dialogue with fuel suppliers, infrastructure providers and mobile network operators to ensure that diesel deliveries resume promptly and that service levels are restored swiftly. Officials also pledged to explore more sustainable solutions, including increased use of alternative energy sources such as solar-hybrid power systems to reduce overreliance on fossil fuel generators.
Subscribers have been urged to remain patient as efforts continue. The commission said that its teams are monitoring network performance closely and will update the public on progress as the situation evolves. It also emphasised the importance of collaborative action by all stakeholders — from government agencies to private sector partners — to bolster resilience in Nigeria’s telecommunications infrastructure.
The renewed focus on diesel supply issues comes amid broader debates about energy policy and economic reforms in Nigeria. While the deregulation of petroleum products and market-driven pricing mechanisms have been central to government policy, they have also introduced new pressures on supply chains and operating costs for energy-dependent sectors. Telecommunications operators, in particular, have previously sounded the alarm about rising costs associated with powering thousands of base stations nationwide.
In mid-2025, telcos and industry groups had warned that interruptions in fuel deliveries could severely disrupt services, underscoring the sector’s vulnerability to energy market fluctuations. At that time, authorities including the NCC and the Office of the National Security Adviser intervened to avert prolonged outages by facilitating renewed diesel supply to key infrastructure providers.
Despite those earlier interventions, the latest disruption shows that structural challenges remain. Rapid urban growth in Abuja and other major cities has placed increasing demand on networks, while the ongoing challenge of providing consistent power underscores the need for diversified and resilient energy solutions.
The NCC’s response signals a recognition of the intricate link between power supply dynamics and telecommunications quality — a relationship that is likely to shape regulatory priorities in the coming years. For subscribers in Abuja, the hope is that coordinated action by regulators, network operators and energy suppliers will translate into tangible improvements in service reliability as the country navigates both immediate disruptions and long-term infrastructure demands.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments