NLC declares daily telecoms boycott over tariff hike
…urges Nigerians to drop MTN, Airtel, Glo daily from February 13
…halt data purchases
…as it threatens total nationwide shutdown by March 1
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide boycott of major telecommunications providers including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, over what it described as an “arbitrary and exploitative” 50% hike in telecom tariffs.
The boycott, scheduled to begin on Thursday, February 13, will see Nigerian workers and citizens refraining from using the services of the affected telecoms providers between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily until the end of the month.
This decision was announced in a communiqué issued at the end of the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of the NLC, held in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
“The CWC demands an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, which took effect today, and insists that the companies revert to the previous tariff until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement.
“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.”
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The communiqué, jointly signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, described the tariff increase as a “betrayal of trust” and a direct attack on Nigerians, particularly workers and the economically disadvantaged.
“The CWC strongly condemns this action by the telecommunications companies, describing it as a betrayal of trust, an affront to the principles of negotiation, and a direct slap on the government and its institutions and a disdain for Nigerian people,” the communiqué read.
The NLC further criticized the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for failing to hold telecom companies accountable.
It recalled that a 10-man committee had been constituted to review the proposed tariff hike and was expected to reach a conclusive agreement before any changes were implemented.
Furthermore, the Congress accused telecom operators of disregarding due process and exploiting Nigerians for corporate gains.
“This unwarranted and premature tariff hike demands an immediate response from our collective resolve since government clearly favours the rich against the people,” the NLC stated.
As part of its resistance strategy, the NLC has urged Nigerians to not only boycott calls during the designated hours but also halt data purchases from the affected companies. The Congress described data services as one of the primary means through which telecom firms “exploit Nigerian citizens.”
“We urge all workers and citizens to suspend the purchase of data from these companies, which has also become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens,” the communiqué stated.
Beyond the boycott, the NLC is demanding the repatriation of all funds allegedly siphoned out of Nigeria by telecom operators. It warned that if the companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February, the union would escalate its action to a full-scale nationwide shutdown of their operations starting March 1, 2025.
“If the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from March 1, 2025,” the statement read.
To ensure maximum compliance, the NLC has directed all state councils and affiliate unions to immediately begin sensitization and mobilization efforts. The Congress also called on civil society organizations and the general public to join the movement to make the protest more effective.
“All NLC state councils are directed to commence immediate sensitization and mobilization of their members and the general public within their jurisdictions,” the NLC said.
Additionally, the communiqué touched on the proposed Tax Reform Bills being considered by the Federal Government. While the NLC acknowledged the need for fiscal reforms, it insisted that tax policies must not worsen economic hardships for Nigerian workers.
“The NLC shall engage with relevant authorities to ensure that tax reforms are fair, equitable, and worker-friendly,” the communiqué added.
The Congress reiterated its commitment to fighting for the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and the general public. It urged citizens to unite in resisting exploitative economic policies and actively participate in the outlined actions to demand justice and fairness in telecommunications, taxation, and transportation policies.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens. We call on all Nigerians to unite in this struggle against exploitative economic policies and to actively participate in the outlined actions,” the communiqué concluded.
