The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Emmanuel Ugboaja, has condemned the over 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs
The union described the decision as a betrayal of trust and a direct affront to the government and the Nigerian people.
Speaking at the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, Ugboaja criticised telecommunications companies for implementing the tariff hike despite an earlier agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
A 10-man committee had been constituted to deliberate on the matter within two weeks and report back before any final decision would be made on the new telecom tariff structure.
However, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, MTN Nigeria adjusted its data plan prices, with some increasing by 2,000 per cent against regulatory approval, sparking public outrage.
Responding, Ugboaja on Wednesday in a communique announced that the CWC had resolved to boycott the service provider, a decision that would be backed by a nationwide protest starting Saturday, March 1, 2025.
He said, “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.
“All workers and citizens are urged to suspend the purchase of data from these companies, which have become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerians.
“We also demand the repatriation of all funds syphoned out of the country by these companies.
“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.
“All NLC State Councils are directed to commence immediate sensitisation and mobilisation of their members and the general public within their jurisdictions.
“All NLC affiliate unions are requested to mobilise their members across the country to observe electronic silence during the designated hours.”
The CWC insisted on an immediate reversal of the tariff hike and urged telecom operators to maintain the previous rates until the committee concludes its deliberations and reaches an agreement.
