The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded an immediate reversal of the recent 50% tariff hike by telecommunication companies, warning of nationwide disruptions if their call is ignored.
In a communique signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, following a meeting of the NLC Central Working Committee in Lokoja on Tuesday, the union accused telecom firms of disregarding due process by implementing the hike before the review by the 10-man committee was completed..
The NLC accused the government of neglecting its duty to protect citizens from corporate exploitation, stressing that the tariff hike disproportionately affects low-income families who depend on telecom services for communication and information access.
In protest, the NLC has called for a nationwide boycott of telecom services from major providers like MTN, Airtel, and Glo daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, starting February 13 until the end of the month.
“All workers and citizens are urged to suspend the purchase of data from these companies, which has also become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens.
“We also demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies.
If the tariffs are not rolled back by February 29, the NLC warns it will initiate a total shutdown of telecom operations across Nigeria from March 1. They have urged civil society groups and all Nigerians to join in opposing what they see as exploitative economic policies.
NCC cites operational cost for tariff increase approval
In January, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved the hike citing rising operational costs due to inflation and foreign exchange challenges. However, consumer groups and labor unions argue that the higher rates will further strain financially burdened households.
According to NCC, the adjustments aim to bridge the gap between rising operational costs and stagnant tariffs, which have remained unchanged since 2013, ensuring telecom operators can sustain service delivery and continue investing in infrastructure and innovation.
The commission also emphasized that the adjustments, based on the 2013 NCC Cost Study, will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis under the newly issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification 2024.
RN
