NLC threatens shutdown over telecom tariff hike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent 50% tariff hike by telecommunications companies, demanding an immediate rollback to the previous rates.
The NLC and the Federal Government had previously formed a 10-member committee to review the tariff increase and provide a report within two weeks before any final decision was made. However, despite this agreement, telecom companies have proceeded with the price hike, prompting the NLC to issue a March 1 deadline for a nationwide shutdown of their operations if the tariffs are not reverted.
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In a statement signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja after a meeting of the NLC Central Working Committee in Lokoja on Tuesday, the union accused telecom firms of betraying trust and disregarding the agreed-upon review process. The NLC also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.
As part of its response to the tariff hike, the NLC has instructed Nigerian workers and other concerned citizens to boycott the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO every day between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM from February 13 until the end of February 2025. The union is also urging workers and citizens to refrain from purchasing data from these companies, which it claims have become tools of exploitation.
Additionally, the NLC is calling for the repatriation of funds allegedly siphoned out of Nigeria by these telecom companies.
The statement further warned that if the companies do not revert to the old tariff rates by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations will begin on March 1, 2025.
The NLC has instructed all its State Councils to begin immediate sensitization and mobilization efforts in their regions. It has also called on its Affiliate Unions to ensure their members observe “electronic silence” during the designated boycott hours.
The union also reviewed ongoing discussions regarding the Tax Reform Bills under consideration by the government. While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, the NLC emphasized that any tax policies should ease the burden on Nigerian workers, not worsen the current economic challenges.
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