Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recent 50 percent hike in telecom tariffs, demanding an immediate reversal and warning of serious consequences if the increase is not rolled back.
Despite an agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecom operators went ahead with the hike, prompting the NLC to issue a March 1 deadline for a total shutdown of their operations if the new rates remain.
To resist the hike, the NLC has directed workers and the public to:
Boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, starting Thursday, February 13, until the end of the month.
Suspend data purchases from these companies.
Mobilise and sensitise Nigerians through NLC state councils and affiliate unions.
In a communiqué signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, on Wednesday February 12, the NLC accused telecom firms of betraying trust and violating due process by implementing the increase before the agreed review was completed.
READ ALSO: NLC Halts Telecom Tariff Protest, Awaits Committee Review
The Congress also criticised the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.
The NLC also reviewed the Tax Reform Bills, warning against policies that could further burden Nigerian workers. While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, it vowed to push for fair and worker-friendly tax policies.
“If the tariff hike is not reversed by February 29, 2025, we will commence a nationwide telecom shutdown from March 1,” the communiqué stated, urging civil society groups and all Nigerians to join the fight against exploitative economic policies.