NLC demands immediate reversal of telecom tariff hike, calls on Nigerians to boycott their services

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recent 50% increase in tariff by telecommunications companies and has called for an an immediate reversal to avoid “severe consequences.”

Despite an agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecom firms have proceeded with the increase, prompting NLC to issue a March 1 deadline for a total shutdown of their operations if the tariffs are not rolled back.

To resist the hike, NLC has directed workers and citizens to: Boycott MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, starting Thursday, February 13, 2025, until the end of the month.

In a statement signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, the NLC accused telecom firms of betraying trust and disregarding due process by implementing the hike before the agreed-upon review was completed. The Congress also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.

The NLC also reviewed the Tax Reform Bills, warning against policies that could further burden Nigerian workers. While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, the Congress vowed to push for fair and worker-friendly tax policies.

The union said that if the tariff hike is not reversed by February 29, 2025, it will commence a nationwide telecom shutdown from March 1, 2025  and called on all civil society groups and well-meaning Nigerians to join the protest.