The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the 50% tariff increase imposed by telecommunications companies, calling for an immediate return to the previous rates.
The NLC and the Federal Government had previously established a 10-member committee to review the tariff hike within two weeks and provide recommendations before any final decisions were made.
However, despite this agreement, telecom companies went ahead with the increase, prompting the NLC to set a March 1 deadline for a full shutdown of operations if the tariffs are not rolled back.
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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, the union accused telecom companies of breaching trust and ignoring proper procedure by implementing the hike before the committee’s review was concluded.
The NLC also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.
As a first step in opposing the tariff hike, the NLC has called for Nigerian workers and other citizens to boycott services from MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM from February 13 through the end of February 2025.
The NLC also urged a suspension of data purchases from these companies, which it claims have been exploiting Nigerians. Furthermore, it demanded the repatriation of funds sent abroad by these companies.
The union warned that if telecom companies do not revert to the previous tariff by the end of February 2025, a nationwide shutdown of their operations will begin on March 1, 2025.
The NLC also instructed its State Councils to begin mobilizing and sensitizing members and the public within their areas.
Additionally, the NLC requested its affiliated unions to encourage members nationwide to observe an “electronic silence” during the specified hours.
In the meeting, the NLC also reviewed ongoing discussions concerning the Tax Reform Bills being considered by the government.
While recognizing the need for fiscal reforms, the Congress emphasized that any tax policies should ease the burden on Nigerian workers rather than exacerbate the current economic difficulties.
