The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent 50% tariff hike by telecommunications companies, demanding an immediate reversal to prevent “severe consequences.”
Despite an agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecom companies have gone ahead with the price increase. In response, the NLC has set a deadline of March 1 for a complete shutdown of telecom operations unless the tariffs are rolled back.
To protest the hike, the NLC has instructed workers and citizens to boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, starting Thursday, February 13, 2025, through the end of the month.
In a statement signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the NLC accused telecom companies of betraying public trust and bypassing proper procedures by implementing the tariff increase before the agreed review was concluded. The Congress also criticized the government for failing to shield citizens from corporate exploitation.
Additionally, the NLC reviewed the Tax Reform Bills, warning against policies that could further burden Nigerian workers. While recognizing the need for fiscal reforms, the Congress pledged to advocate for fair, worker-friendly tax policies.
The NLC has made it clear that if the tariff hike is not reversed by February 29, 2025, it will initiate a nationwide telecom shutdown beginning March 1, 2025, and has called on civil society groups and concerned Nigerians to join the protest.
