Emmanuel Ochayi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticised the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, implemented by service providers, despite prior agreements with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a communiqué issued after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, NLC President, Joe Ajaero stated, “This action by the telecommunications companies is 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.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBackground of the Tariff Hike
Telecom operators had previously lobbied for a tariff increase, citing rising operational costs due to inflation and currency devaluation. The NCC approved the 50% hike, marking the first such increase in over a decade. However, the NLC had objected to this move, leading to the formation of a 10-man committee by the Federal Government to deliberate on the matter within two weeks before any final decision on the new telecom tariff structure. The NLC expressed disappointment that the tariff hike was implemented before the committee concluded its discussions.
READ ALSO: NLC Declares February 4 Nationwide Protest Over 50% Telecoms Tariff Hike
NLC’s Immediate Demands and Planned Boycott
In response to the tariff increase, the NLC has demanded an immediate reversal to the previous rates. The communiqué stated, “The CWC-in-session believes that this is a further demonstration of Regulatory capture and impotence in the midst of corporate onslaught and the continuing abandonment of workers and masses to corporate fat cats by the government.”
As an initial measure, the NLC has directed Nigerian workers and willing citizens to boycott the services of major telecom providers—MTN, Airtel, and Glo—daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, starting Thursday, February 13, 2025, until the end of the month. The NLC also urged individuals to suspend the purchase of data from these companies, highlighting concerns over exploitation.
Threat of Total Shutdown from March 1, 2025
The NLC has warned that if telecom companies do not revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, it will initiate a total shutdown of their operations nationwide starting March 1, 2025.
The communiqué emphasised, “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.”
Mobilisation and Call for Solidarity
To ensure the effectiveness of the planned actions, the NLC has directed all state councils to begin immediate sensitisation and mobilisation of their members and the general public within their jurisdictions.
Affiliate unions are also requested to mobilise their members across the country to observe electronic silence during the designated hours. The NLC called upon civil society allies and other interested stakeholders to join in making the action effective.
Concerns Over Tax Reform Bills
Beyond the telecom tariff issue, the CWC reviewed ongoing discussions around the Tax Reform Bills being considered by the government. While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, the NLC insisted that any tax policies must be designed to alleviate the burdens on Nigerian workers and not worsen the existing economic hardship. The communiqué stated, “The NLC shall engage with relevant authorities to ensure that tax reforms are fair, equitable, and worker-friendly.”
Public Reaction and Economic Context
The telecom tariff hike has sparked widespread public outcry, with many Nigerians expressing frustration over the increasing cost of living. The country has been grappling with high inflation rates, and the recent increase in telecom tariffs adds to the financial strain on citizens. The NLC’s planned actions reflect a broader discontent with economic policies perceived to favour corporate interests over the welfare of the populace.
Government’s Position and Potential Negotiations
As of now, the federal government has not issued an official response to the NLC’s demands and planned actions. However, given the potential impact of a nationwide telecom shutdown, it is anticipated that the government may seek to engage in further negotiations with the NLC and telecom operators to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders involved.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be crucial as the NLC mobilises its members and the public in protest against the telecom tariff hike. The outcome of this standoff will have implications for the relationship between labor unions, the government, and corporate entities in Nigeria, as well as for the broader economic landscape of the country.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
