The report disclosed that telecom operators consume more than 40 million litres of diesel monthly to power tower sites, mainly due to the country’s unreliable power grid.
Telecommunications companies in Nigeria spend over $350 million annually on diesel, according to the Africa Finance Corporation’s (AFC) State of Africa’s Infrastructure Report 2025.
The report disclosed that telecom operators consume more than 40 million litres of diesel monthly to power tower sites, mainly due to the country’s unreliable power grid.
“A growing number of tower sites going off-grid or relying on diesel generators is a cause of concern for several reasons,” the report stated. “It increases CAPEX and OPEX costs for operators, making investments in rural and remote areas even more prohibitive.”
It added, “In Nigeria, for instance, telecom operators consume over 40 million litres of diesel per month, representing a yearly spending of over $350 million.”
The report further explained that powering mobile broadband in Africa requires more energy due to low traffic volumes and outdated 3G technology.
“Tower sites that rely on generators and batteries report frequent theft of battery equipment and diesel,” it said, highlighting the operational risks tied to off-grid power use.