To avoid serious economic repercussions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) demanded that the recent 50% pricing increase by telecom firms be immediately reversed.
Companies have gone ahead with the rise in spite of 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 tariffs are not rolled back.
In order to oppose the raise, the NLC has instructed employees and citizens to do the following:
During the period beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, to the end of the month, boycott MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO services every day between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
All data acquisitions from these businesses should be halted.
Through affiliate unions and NLC state councils, raise public awareness and mobilize the populace.
Allegations Made Against Telecom Companies
President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja signed the statement, which accused telecom companies of violating due process and destroying confidence by enacting the raise before the agreed-upon assessment was finished.
The administration was also chastised by the Congress for not shielding its population from corporate exploitation.
In its analysis of the Tax Reform Bills, the NLC also cautioned against measures that would put further strain on Nigerian workers. The Congress committed to advocate for equitable and worker-friendly tax policies in order to prevent excessive taxation, even as it acknowledged the need for fiscal changes.
On February 29, 2025, the NLC has threatened to start a statewide telecom shutdown on March 1, 2025, if the pricing hike is not overturned.
Additionally, the Congress called on all Nigerians to join forces with civil society organizations to fight unfair economic practices.
