In order to avoid serious economic repercussions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) vehemently denounced the recent 50% tariff increase by cellular providers and demanded that it be immediately reversed.
Companies have gone ahead with the rise despite an agreement between the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and telecom providers. As a result, the NLC has set a deadline of March 1 for the complete closure of telecom operations in the event that the rates are not rolled back.
The NLC has instructed employees and residents to do the following in order to oppose the hike:
Beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, and continuing through the end of the month, boycott MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO services every day between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Stop buying any data from these businesses.
Use affiliate unions and NLC state councils to raise awareness and mobilize the people.
Charges Made Against Telecom Companies
The NLC accused telecom companies of violating due process and breaching confidence by enacting the raise before the agreed-upon assessment was finished, in a statement signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja.
The government’s failure to shield citizens from corporate exploitation was another point of contention for the Congress.
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The NLC also examined the Tax Reform Bills and cautioned against measures that would put further strain on Nigerian workers. The Congress pledged to promote equitable and worker-friendly tax laws in order to avoid overtaxation, even as it acknowledged the necessity of economic changes.
The NLC has vowed to start a statewide communication shutdown on March 1, 2025, if the rate increase is not rescinded by February 29, 2025.
In addition, the Congress called on all Nigerians and civil society organizations to join forces in opposition to exploitative economic practices.
