- The Nigeria Labour Congress has directed Nigerian workers and citizens to boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, starting February 13, 2025
- The NLC is demanding an immediate reversal of the recent tariff hike by telecom companies
- NLC has warned of a nationwide shutdown of telecom operations beginning March 1, 2025, if they do not comply by February 29, 2025
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged Nigerians to boycott telecommunications services like MTN, GLO and Airtel in protest against the recent tariff hike.
Following a Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, the NLC announced that starting Thursday, February 13, 2025, Nigerian workers and citizens should boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
The action will continue until the end of February 2025.
The congress also called on telecommunications companies to reverse the recent tariff hike, insisting that the increase should be suspended until a Federal Government-appointed committee concludes its deliberations.
NLC’s demand for tariff reversal
In a communiqué signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union condemned the price increase and accused telecom companies of exploiting Nigerians.
The NLC insisted that the tariff hike must be reversed immediately and that companies should revert to previous rates until a final decision is reached.
“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 communiqué stated.
The Congress also urged Nigerians to stop purchasing data from these telecom providers, describing it as a means through which they exploit consumers.
The NLC warned that if the telecom companies fail to reverse the price increase by the end of February, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will begin on March 1, 2025.
Additionally, the Congress demanded the repatriation of funds allegedly siphoned out of Nigeria by these telecom companies.
To ensure compliance, the NLC has directed all its affiliate unions to immediately begin sensitisation and mobilisation efforts within their respective jurisdictions.
“All NLC affiliate unions are requested to mobilise their members across the country to observe electronic silence during the designated hours. We call on our civil society allies and other interested stakeholders to join us in making this action effective,” the communiqué added.
The NLC also weighed in on the ongoing tax reform discussions, emphasising the need for fair and worker-friendly policies.
“The CWC reviewed the ongoing discussions around the Tax Reform Bills being considered by the government. 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 statement read.
The union pledged to engage relevant authorities to ensure that tax reforms promote fairness and equity.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigerian workers, the NLC urged citizens to stand united against exploitative economic policies.
It called for active participation in the outlined protests against high telecommunications tariffs, unfavourable tax policies, and transportation challenges.
Telecom tariff adjustment to save sector from stagnation – ATCON
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Association of Telecommunication Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) said telecom tariff adjustment is necessary to save the sector from stagnation.
ATCON president, Mr Tony Emoekpere, noted the concern of Nigerians toward the proposed hike in tariff, especially with the state of the economy, but stressed the long-term benefits of the adjustment to the sector and the future of Nigeria’s digital economy.