In a bold move against what it calls an “arbitrary” increase in telecom tariffs, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged Nigerian workers and the general public to boycott the services of MTN, Airtel, and Glo following a recent 50% hike in charges.
The decision emerged from a meeting of the NLC’s central working committee (CWC) held in Kogi State. Joe Ajaero, NLC president, issued a strong-worded statement on the 12th of February,2025, condemning the tariff increase and demanding its immediate reversal.
To drive home its resistance, the union has directed that, starting Thursday, the 13th of February, 2025, subscribers should refrain from using the services of these telecom giants daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February 2025. The boycott, according to the NLC, will persist until the tariffs are reversed to previous rates, pending discussions with relevant stakeholders.
“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,” the statement reads.
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Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has intervened, urging the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to suspend the 50% tariff hike granted to telecom operators. Lawmakers also directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to halt the increase until there is a significant improvement in telecom services.
With tensions mounting and public outcry growing, all eyes are now on both the telecom firms and regulatory authorities to see if a resolution will be reached before the February deadline.