The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs, calling for an immediate rollback to the previous rates.
The union has threatened to shut down the operations of telecom providers if the hike is not reversed by March 1, 2025.
The NLC and the Federal Government previously formed a 10-member committee to review the tariff adjustment and provide recommendations before any implementation.
However, despite this agreement, telecom companies went ahead with the price increase, prompting the NLC’s strong response.
In a communique signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja after a Central Working Committee meeting in Lokoja, the union accused telecom operators of acting in bad faith by implementing the increase before the review process was completed.
The NLC also criticized the government for failing to protect Nigerians from corporate exploitation.
READ ALSO: Reps moves to secure sustainable funding for NYSC
As part of its protest strategy, the union has directed Nigerian workers and the public to boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, starting February 13 until the end of February 2025.
“All workers and citizens are urged to stop purchasing data from these companies, as data pricing has become one of their primary tools for exploiting Nigerians,” the statement read.
The NLC further demanded that telecom firms return funds allegedly siphoned out of the country and warned that if the old tariff is not restored by the end of February, a nationwide shutdown of telecom operations would commence.
The NLC instructed its State Councils to begin immediate mobilization, sensitizing workers and the general public about the planned actions.
It also urged Affiliate Unions to ensure compliance with the electronic silence protest during the designated boycott hours.
READ ALSO: NLC commends Dangote Refinery over fuel price reduction
Additionally, the Congress reviewed the government’s ongoing tax reform discussions, emphasising that while fiscal policies are necessary, they must not worsen the economic burden on Nigerian workers.
With tensions rising over the tariff hike, all eyes are now on telecom operators and the government to see whether the looming shutdown can be averted.
