The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to telecommunications companies over their controversial 50% tariff hike, which took effect yesterday, February 11, 2025.
The decision was taken after the NLC’s Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in Lokoja to address pressing national issues, including the telecom tariff increase, proposed tax reforms, and the rollout of CNG-powered buses in the North Central Zone.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NLC expressed grave concern over the hike, which was implemented despite an earlier agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review the tariffs before making any final decisions. “This is a betrayal of trust, an affront to the principles of negotiation, and a direct slap on the government and its institutions,” said NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
The CWC called the hike a clear example of corporate exploitation and government inaction, accusing the authorities of abandoning Nigerian workers and citizens to corporate interests.
While demanding an immediate reversal of the tariff increase, and outlining a series of actions to demonstrate their opposition, the NLC added that effective Thursday, February 13, 2025, Nigerian workers and citizens are urged to boycott services from MTN, Airtel, and GLO between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily, through the end of the month.
It also called for the suspension of data purchases from these companies and the repatriation of funds siphoned out of the country.
If the companies fail to revert to the previous tariff by February’s end, the NLC warns of a nationwide shutdown of telecom operations beginning March 1, 2025. “We will not back down,” Ajaero stated, calling on civil society groups and all Nigerians to join in the protest.
The meeting also touched on the ongoing Tax Reform Bills, with the NLC insisting that any reforms should relieve, not worsen, the economic burden on Nigerian workers.
