The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent 50% telecom tariff hike implemented by telecom firms, despite an agreement with the Federal Government to review the hike within two weeks.
The NLC accused telecom firms of “betraying trust and disregarding due process” by implementing the hike before the review was completed.
In a communique signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the NLC criticized the government for its failure to protect citizens from corporate exploitation. The union has given telecom firms a March 1 deadline to revert to the old tariff, threatening a total shutdown of their operations if the demand is not met.
As a first step in resisting the tariff hike, the NLC has directed that “beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, Nigerian workers and other willing citizens shall boycott the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February 2025.” The NLC also urged citizens to suspend the purchase of data from these companies, which they believe have become tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens.
Additionally, the NLC demanded the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies. While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, the Congress insists that any tax policies must be designed to alleviate the burdens on Nigerian workers and not worsen the existing economic hardship.
The House of Representatives has also weighed in on the issue, calling for the immediate suspension of the 50% hike in telecoms tariff. The lawmakers decried the poor service delivery from telecom operators and insisted that an increase in tariff should not happen until service improves.
