The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs, calling for an immediate reversal to prevent severe economic hardship.
Despite an agreement between the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and telecom operators, companies went ahead with the tariff hike. In response, the NLC has set a March 1 deadline for a complete shutdown of telecom operations if the increase is not rolled back.
Planned Resistance Actions
To protest the hike, the NLC has instructed workers and citizens to take the following steps:
- Boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, until the end of the month.
- Suspend all data purchases from these providers.
- Mobilize public awareness through NLC state councils and affiliate unions.
Allegations Against Telecom Companies
In a communiqué signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the NLC accused telecom firms of breaking trust by implementing the tariff increase before a final review was completed. The Congress also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.
Concerns Over Tax Reforms
The NLC also reviewed the Tax Reform Bills and cautioned against policies that could impose excessive financial burdens on workers. While supporting fiscal reforms, the Congress vowed to advocate for fair tax policies that protect Nigerian workers from over-taxation.
Final Warning
If the telecom tariff hike is not reversed by February 29, 2025, the NLC has threatened to launch a nationwide telecom shutdown starting March 1, 2025. The Congress also called on civil society groups and Nigerians to stand against economic policies that worsen the cost of living.
