NLC orders workers to boycott telecom services over 50% tariff hike

2024, Minimum wage, Terrorism financing, Nigerians, NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers and other interested Nigerians to boycott telecommunication services, especially those offered by MTN, Globacom, and Airtel, over the implementation of the 50% tariff hike by the companies.

The NLC said the demonstration should commence on Thursday, February 13, to the end of February 2025 between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. daily.

The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the NLC gave the directive via a communique signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday, February 12.

The union also called on workers and Nigerians to suspend the purchase of data from the aforementioned telecommunication companies, saying it has become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerians.

The NLC expressed disappointment at the implementation of 50% increase on telecom services by the companies, despite an earlier agreement reached with the federal government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to allow the 10-man committee constituted to look into the matter before any final decision on the new telecom tariff structure.

While noting that the implementation was a betrayal of trust, the NLC added that it was an affront to the principles of negotiation, and a direct slap on the government and its institutions and a disdain for Nigerians.

The union stated: “CWC-in-session believes that this is a further demonstration of Regulatory capture and impotence in the midst of corporate onslaught and the continuing abandonment of workers and masses to corporate fat cats by the government.

MTN implements 50% tariff hike, increases data prices

“This unwarranted and premature tariff hike demands an immediate response from our collective resolve since government clearly favours the rich against the people.

“The CWC demands an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, which took effect today, and insists that the companies revert to the previous tariff until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement.

“As a first step in resisting this arbitrary tariff hike, the CWC 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.

“All workers and citizens are urged to suspend the purchase of Data from these companies which has also become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens. We also demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies.

“If the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from March 1, 2025.

“All NLC State Councils are directed to commence immediate sensitization and mobilization of their members and the general public within their jurisdictions.

“All NLC Affiliate Unions are requested to mobilize their members across the country to observe electronic silence during the designated hours.

We implore all of our civil society allies and other interested stakeholders are to join us in making this action effective.”

The Star