Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the umbrella body for all mobile network operators, tower companies, and telecommunications infrastructure providers in Nigeria, has expressed deep concerns about ongoing disruptions to the supply logistics of diesel to cell sites across the country.

Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, ALTON

In a statement signed by Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman, Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), the association claimed it received credible reports that members of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), on Tuesday, blocked access to diesel loading depots in Kaduna, Lagos, and Koko (Delta State), preventing the distribution of diesel to thousands of telecommunications sites operated by one of our key members, IHS Towers.

“This action reportedly stemming from allegations by IHS of diesel misappropriation against 2 member companies of NOGASA and which is being investigated by the requisite authorities, has resulted in a critical threat to the operation of some of the 16,000 telecommunications sites nationwide, servicing Mobile Network Operators.

“These sites not only power mobile and internet services for millions of Nigerians, but also support essential services such as banking transactions, hospital communications, emergency response systems, and national security operations.

“While ALTON does not necessarily interfere in disputes between its members and third parties, we are gravely concerned about the wider implications of this action on national infrastructure and public safety.

“We recognize and deeply respect the vital role NOGASA and NUPENG have played in sustaining Nigeria’s energy supply chain and supporting national development over the years, and we trust that they will continue to uphold these values by ensuring that their actions do not jeopardize critical national infrastructure or public welfare.

ALTON however requested that uninterrupted access be granted to the Diesel supply locations, and urge all parties involved to embrace constructive dialogue to resolve the matter, without further disruption to essential services.

It also reminded all stakeholders that telecommunications infrastructure has been officially classified as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) under Nigerian law. Any deliberate disruption or blockade that affects the operation of such infrastructure constitutes a serious threat to national security and economic stability and will attract strict legal consequences.

The Association called on the leadership of NUPENG and NOGASA, to intervene by calling their members to order. “Disputes must be resolved within the framework of lawful contracts and applicable legal processes, without resorting to actions that endanger the operations of an entire industry and the lives and livelihoods that depend on it.

“We also call on relevant authorities, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other critical stakeholders, to urgently intervene to forestall a looming nationwide communications blackout.

“ALTON remains fully committed to ensuring quality, reliable, and resilient telecommunications services for all Nigerians. However, disruptions of this nature undermine our members’ ability to maintain and improve service delivery and threaten the integrity of the country’s digital and communications ecosystem,” the statement added.

Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has called for unified action among all stakeholders to protect Nigeria’s telecom infrastructure, underscoring the urgent need to safeguard the nation’s critical digital lifelines.

Speaking at the Industry Sustainability and Critical National Information Infrastructure Conference held at CityHeight Hotel, Ikeja, Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman/CEO of the NCC, emphasized the strategic importance of telecommunications in supporting socio-economic development, national security, and digital sovereignty.

Dr. Maida, who was represented by Edoyemi Ogoh, director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, emphasized that telecommunications now constitutes over 14.4% of Nigeria’s GDP, acting as the backbone for vital sectors such as banking, energy, health, security, education, and governance. He described telecom infrastructure, including towers, fiber optic cables, data centers, internet exchange points, and international gateways, as the digital lifelines that sustain the country’s economy and societal functions.

Highlighting the designation of telecom infrastructure as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Cybersecurity Act, Maida stressed the heightened responsibility shared by regulators, operators, government agencies, and citizens to protect this national asset.

“The cost of inaction is steep, from service disruptions and investor flight to national security vulnerabilities and economic instability,” Ogoh warned, calling the conference a “call to action” for all stakeholders to build a secure, sustainable, inclusive, and resilient telecom ecosystem.

Maida outlined multifaceted challenges facing the sector, including rampant vandalism, fiber cuts averaging over 1,100 weekly incidents, denial of site access, theft of equipment and diesel, power supply gaps, bureaucratic delays in permits, and rising cyber threats linked to increased OTT and IoT usage. He noted that these challenges not only impair service quality but threaten national security.

The NCC’s proactive strategies involve enforcing strict technical standards for infrastructure deployment, launching public awareness campaigns to foster community ownership, and fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration among lawmakers, judiciary, law enforcement, state governments, and private sector operators.

Maida highlighted efforts such as the Right of Way Harmonisation Initiative, forming a CNII Industry Working Group, and instituting mediation as a sustainable alternative to litigation for resolving operational conflicts.

Further collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser ensures alignment of regulatory enforcement with national security priorities through intelligence sharing and coordinated responses.

The keynote stressed the importance of a streamlined and uniform process for infrastructure permits and acquisitions, improved information sharing among stakeholders, and strengthened enforcement mechanisms to deter and punish culprits damaging critical telecom assets.

Maida proposed the establishment of a dedicated trust fund to support the protection and sustainability of telecom infrastructure, drawing parallels with existing government security funds that have proven effective.

Concluding, Maida urged all participants to recognize telecommunications not merely as a sector but as “the nervous system of our digital economy” and a “national resilience system” crucial to Nigeria’s future.

The conference, organized by the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) and the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), provided a timely platform for crucial dialogue aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure amidst growing economic and security challenges.

Google has unveiled a groundbreaking new feature within its Gemini app called Storybook, designed to transform everyday moments into personalized, narrated storybooks.

Whether it’s a child’s drawing, a family photo, or a simple idea, Storybook turns it into a beautifully illustrated 10-page tale—complete with voice narration.

With over 39 million children aged six and under, Nigeria is a country where the need for engaging, educational content is more urgent than ever.

Storybook taps into Nigeria’s rich tradition of oral storytelling, offering families and educators a fresh way to captivate young minds.

“In a country with such a vibrant history of passing down knowledge through stories, Storybook feels like a natural evolution,” said Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, Communications & Public Affairs Manager for Google in West Africa.

“It addresses a real need for parents and educators who are looking for fresh ways to captivate the minds of our youngest learners.”

Using Gemini’s AI capabilities, Storybook acts as a creative partner. You simply describe a story—like “My daughter and her teddy bear go on a jungle adventure”—and upload an image, such as a photo or drawing.

Gemini then generates a 10-page illustrated story with narration, placing your child at the center of their own learning journey.

Whether it’s a father turning his resume into an adventure to explain his job, or a family reliving a holiday through a whimsical tale, Storybook brings imagination to life.

“The interesting part isn’t the AI; it’s the personal expression it enables,” Kola-Ogunlade added. “It’s a canvas for those small, personal moments that are the foundation of early education.”

Storybook opens up endless possibilities for Nigerian families—from teaching local culture and science through personalized tales, to turning vacations into illustrated adventures, crafting custom gifts, or bringing children’s drawings to life.

To create your own storybook, visit gemini.google.com/gem/storybook, describe your story idea, upload a photo or drawing, and enjoy your custom, narrated storybook. The feature is available globally starting today on both mobile and desktop via the Gemini app.