The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed the recent 50% tariff hike by telecommunications companies, demanding an immediate reversal.
The Congress has warned of severe consequences if the increase is not rolled back.
According to the NLC, telecom firms went ahead with the tariff adjustment despite an agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to review the matter.
In response, the labor body has issued a deadline of February 29, 2025, failing which it will initiate a nationwide shutdown of telecom services from March 1.
To resist the hike, the NLC has called on workers and citizens to take immediate action. The directives include boycotting MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, starting Thursday, February 13, until the end of the month.
Additionally, the Congress urged Nigerians to suspend data purchases from these companies and mobilize public awareness through its state councils and affiliate unions.
In a communique signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the NLC accused telecom firms of betraying public trust and implementing the hike without completing the agreed-upon review process.
The Congress also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.
Beyond the telecom tariff issue, the NLC also reviewed the Tax Reform Bills, warning against policies that could further burden Nigerian workers. While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, the labor body emphasized its commitment to pushing for fair and worker-friendly tax policies.
The NLC has called on civil society groups and all Nigerians to unite against what it describes as exploitative economic policies.
It reaffirmed its determination to resist any form of economic hardship imposed on citizens, stressing that the telecom tariff hike must be reversed before the deadline.
