The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recent hike in telecom tariffs by service providers, despite an earlier agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The NLC has demanded an immediate reversal, warning of serious consequences if the increase is not rescinded.
However, telecom operators have dismissed the NLC’s threats, cautioning that any disruptive actions by labour could be considered a treasonable felony. It should be recalled that about two weeks ago, the Federal Government and the NLC convened a meeting to negotiate a reduction in the proposed 50% tariff hike.
A 10-member committee—comprising five representatives from each side—was formed and given two weeks to reach a final decision. However, despite the ongoing deliberations, some telecom companies have already implemented a 50% increase in data tariffs.
The NLC has declared that if the telecom operators fail to revert to the previous tariff by the end of February 2025, it will enforce a nationwide shutdown of their services from March 1, 2025.
To demonstrate its resolve, the labour movement has directed Nigerian workers and other willing citizens to boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, until the end of the month.
Following a Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on February 11, the NLC leadership, in a communique signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, urged workers and citizens to halt data purchases from the telecom companies. The communique also instructed all NLC state councils and industrial unions to immediately mobilize their members and the public.
Key Resolutions:
- The NLC demands an immediate reversal of the tariff hike that took effect on February 11, insisting that prices remain unchanged until the committee completes its deliberations.
- A daily telecom boycott from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM will be observed until the end of February.
- Nigerian workers and citizens are urged to stop purchasing data from MTN, Airtel, and Glo.
- The NLC calls for the repatriation of all funds allegedly siphoned abroad by telecom operators.
- If tariffs are not rolled back by February’s end, the NLC will enforce a total shutdown of telecom services nationwide starting March 1, 2025.
Tax Reform Bills:
Regarding ongoing discussions on tax reforms, the NLC stressed that any new tax policies must alleviate financial burdens on Nigerian workers rather than exacerbate economic hardships. The Congress vowed to engage authorities to ensure that tax reforms remain fair, equitable, and worker-friendly.
Telcos Respond, Warn of Security Risks
Telecom operators have pushed back against the NLC’s threats, arguing that shutting down telecom services could compromise national security. They have urged the Federal Government to take preemptive measures, warning that labour’s actions could be considered treasonable.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Telecom Subscribers in Nigeria (NATCOMS) criticized the NCC for allowing service providers to implement the hike despite pending negotiations. NATCOMS called on the NCC to sanction the telecom companies responsible for the premature increase.
However, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria (ALTON) has dismissed the NLC’s stance, questioning why labour is targeting telecoms while ignoring rising fuel prices, naira depreciation, and increased bank charges. An ALTON representative cautioned that disrupting telecom services could have severe consequences for national security.
Defending the tariff increase, ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo argued that telecom services should not be artificially subsidized due to economic hardship in other sectors. He warned that if service prices remain unsustainably low, network quality will decline, and the industry could face collapse.
Adebayo emphasized that the 50% tariff adjustment is necessary to keep operations running and expand coverage to rural areas. He urged the government to focus on providing economic relief rather than expecting telecom operators to absorb rising costs.
