NLC Declares Nationwide Protest Over Telecom Tariff Hike, Demands Immediate Reversal
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent 50% increase in tariffs by telecommunications companies, describing it as a betrayal of trust and a direct affront to the principles of negotiation. The labor union has issued an ultimatum demanding an immediate reversal of the increase to avoid what it describes as “unpleasant consequences.”
Telecom Tariff Hike Sparks Outrage
This controversy follows a meeting between the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and labor leaders about two weeks ago, where all parties agreed to deliberate on the proposed tariff hike before any final decision. A 10-man committee—comprising five members each from the government and labor unions—was set up to review the matter within two weeks.
Despite this agreement, some telecommunications operators have already implemented the tariff hike, prompting swift reactions from the NLC, which views the move as an act of bad faith. According to the NLC, the increase disproportionately affects Nigerians, many of whom are already struggling with economic hardships.
NLC’s Response and Protest Plan
In response, the NLC has announced a series of actions aimed at pressuring telecommunications companies to roll back the price hike. The labor union has instructed Nigerian workers and other willing citizens to boycott the services of major telecom providers—MTN, Airtel, and Glo—between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily, starting from Thursday, February 13, 2025, until the end of the month.
Further escalating its protest, the NLC has warned that if the telecom operators do not revert to the previous tariff rates by February 29, 2025, it will commence a nationwide shutdown of telecom services starting March 1, 2025.
Additionally, the labor movement has called on Nigerians to suspend the purchase of data from these companies and is mobilizing its affiliate unions and state councils to sensitize and engage the public on the issue.
NLC’s Statement and Justifications
In a communique issued at the end of its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, the NLC leadership reiterated its firm opposition to the tariff hike. The statement, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, described the telecom operators’ action as “a slap on the government and its institutions” and “a demonstration of regulatory capture and impotence.”
The communique outlined the following resolutions:
- Immediate reversal of the tariff hike implemented from February 11, 2025, pending the outcome of the ongoing committee deliberations.
- Boycott of major telecom operators (MTN, Airtel, and Glo) for three hours daily.
- Full shutdown of telecom services nationwide from March 1, 2025, if there is no compliance.
- Call for the repatriation of funds allegedly siphoned by these telecom companies.
- Engagement with stakeholders to ensure tax policies do not worsen economic conditions.
Telecom Operators Push Back, Warn of Consequences
Telecommunications companies, under the umbrella of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria (ALTON), have pushed back against the NLC’s threats. A senior official from ALTON warned that any attempt by labor unions to shut down telecom operations could be considered a “treasonable felony” and could lead to security breaches.
Operators argue that the tariff hike is justified due to rising operational costs, economic instability, and the declining value of the naira. ALTON Chairman Engr. Gbenga Adebayo stated:
“Telecommunications cannot be used as a subsidy for economic hardship in other sectors. If prices remain unsustainably low, service quality will deteriorate, and ultimately, the industry will collapse. The government must take responsibility for providing economic relief, rather than expecting telecom operators to absorb rising costs at their own expense.”
He further stressed that keeping tariffs low without adjusting for inflation would stifle investment in infrastructure and expansion, particularly in rural areas that still lack access to telecom services.
Telecom Subscribers Demand NCC Action
Amid the growing tension, the National Association of Telecom Subscribers in Nigeria (NATCOMS) has criticized the NCC for failing to regulate the industry effectively. NATCOMS President Chief Deolu Ogubanjo accused the NCC of “standing aloof while operators take subscribers for granted.”
While NATCOMS does not support shutting down telecom services due to security risks, it demands that the NCC sanction operators who implemented the tariff hike before the committee’s decision.
“The NCC must take action to redeem its image. The telcos should not have acted unilaterally when a meeting with stakeholders was still pending. We urge the regulator to intervene immediately,” Ogubanjo stated.
Broader Economic Implications
The ongoing dispute over telecom tariffs underscores broader economic struggles in Nigeria. The rising cost of living, fluctuating fuel prices, and currency depreciation have heightened tensions between businesses, consumers, and labor unions.
With digital services playing a crucial role in economic activities, any prolonged disruption to telecom services could have severe consequences for businesses, financial transactions, education, and national security. If unresolved, this conflict could further erode investor confidence in Nigeria’s business environment.
What’s Next?
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the outcome of this standoff. The government faces increasing pressure to mediate and find a balance between business interests and consumer protection. Whether the telecom operators will yield to the NLC’s demands or whether the government will intervene remains to be seen.
For now, Nigerian workers and the public are bracing for intensified protests, with many watching closely to see how this high-stakes battle unfolds.
