LAGOS — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed strong opposition to the recent increase in telecommunications tariffs by major service providers, despite an earlier agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review the planned hike.
The labour movement has demanded an immediate reversal of the increase, warning of potential industrial action if the demands are not met.
Telecom operators, however, have dismissed NLC’s threats, stating that any attempt to disrupt their operations would amount to a treasonable felony.
The tension between the two sides has escalated as labour unions push back against what they describe as an “arbitrary and unfair” 50% increase in data tariffs.
Agreement Breached Ahead of Deadline
Just two weeks ago, the Federal Government and NLC had concluded discussions on how to mitigate the impact of the proposed tariff hike, initially set at 50%.
A 10-member committee—comprising five representatives each from the government and labour—was tasked with deliberating on the matter and providing recommendations within two weeks.
However, before the deadline for the committee’s report, some telecommunications companies have already implemented the full 50% hike, sparking outrage among Nigerian workers and consumers.
Labour’s Ultimatum and Protest Actions
In response, the NLC has issued a stern ultimatum to telecom operators: revert to the old tariffs by the end of February 2025 or face a nationwide shutdown of operations from March 1, 2025.
To demonstrate its resolve, the NLC has called for an immediate boycott of telecom services provided by MTN, Airtel, and Glo.
Starting Thursday, February 13, 2025, workers and other Nigerians are urged to refrain from using these networks between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm daily until the end of February. The directive also includes suspending data purchases from these companies.
At the end of a Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, NLC leaders instructed all state councils and affiliated industrial unions to begin sensitizing and mobilizing workers and the general public against the tariff increase.
“The CWC of the NLC was convened in Lokoja, Kogi State, on February 11, 2025, to deliberate on pressing national issues, including the 50 per cent telecommunications tariff hike, the proposed Tax Reform Bills, and the roll-out of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered buses for the North Central zone of Nigeria,” read the communique signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja.
Uncertain Road Ahead
As tensions rise, telecom companies maintain that the tariff adjustments were necessitated by rising operational costs, inflation, and government levies. Industry players argue that sustained low pricing could harm the quality and sustainability of services.
With NLC threatening to shut down operations nationwide, the coming weeks could see an intensification of protests and possible disruptions to telecommunications services across Nigeria. Whether the Federal Government intervenes to broker a compromise remains to be seen.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
