NLC opposes 50% telecom tariff hike, ask Nigerians to boycott MTN, Airtel, Glo

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed the recent 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs, calling for an immediate reversal.

Earlier, the NLC and the Federal Government had formed a 10-man committee to review the proposed tariff hike and report back within two weeks before any changes were implemented. However, telecom companies went ahead with the increment, prompting the NLC to issue a warning.

In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja after a meeting in Lokoja on Tuesday, the union accused telecom operators of disregarding due process. The Congress also criticized the government for failing to shield Nigerians from corporate exploitation.

To resist the hike, the NLC has urged Nigerian workers and citizens to boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. from February 13 until the end of the month.

“All workers and citizens are urged to suspend the purchase of data from these companies, which has also become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens,” the communiqué stated.

The union further demanded that telecom companies return funds allegedly siphoned from Nigeria.

“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,” the statement added.

The NLC has instructed all state councils to begin sensitizing and mobilizing their members and the public. Affiliate unions have also been directed to ensure their members observe electronic silence during the protest hours.

While reviewing the ongoing discussions on the government’s Tax Reform Bills, the NLC maintained that any new tax policies should ease financial burdens on Nigerian workers instead of worsening economic hardship.