The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the 50% tariff increase by telecommunication firms and demanded an immediate reversal to the previous rates.
Despite an agreement between the NLC and the Federal Government to review the tariff within two weeks, telecom operators went ahead with the hike, prompting the union to issue a March 1 deadline for a total shutdown of their operations if the decision is not reversed.
NLC Accuses Telecom Firms of Betrayal
In a communique signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the NLC accused telecom firms of breaching trust and bypassing due process by implementing the hike before the committee’s review was completed.
The union also criticised the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.
Call for Boycott & Nationwide Protest
As a first step in resisting the tariff increase, the NLC has urged Nigerian workers and citizens to boycott MTN, Airtel, and GLO services daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM from February 13 until the end of February 2025.
“All workers and citizens are urged to stop purchasing data from these companies, which have turned data sales into a tool for exploiting Nigerians,” the statement read.
The union also demanded the repatriation of funds allegedly siphoned out of Nigeria by these firms.
If the telecom providers fail to reverse the tariff hike by the end of February, the NLC has vowed to shut down their operations nationwide from March 1, 2025.
NLC Mobilises Workers for Action
The NLC has directed:
- State Councils to begin mobilisation and sensitisation of their members.
- Affiliate Unions to observe electronic silence during the designated protest hours.
Concerns Over Tax Reforms
The union also reviewed the ongoing Tax Reform Bill discussions, stating that while fiscal reforms are necessary, new tax policies must not worsen the economic hardship of Nigerian workers.