NLC calls for daily boycott of telecom networks over tariff hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged Nigerian workers and willing citizens to boycott the services of MTN, Airtel, and GLO daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February 2025 in protest against the recent tariff increase.

This directive follows the implementation of a 50% tariff adjustment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which MTN Nigeria began enforcing on Monday. The NLC has demanded that telecom providers halt the price hike until a government committee completes its review.

The resolution was reached during the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in Lokoja, Kogi State. In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Congress instructed workers and citizens to stop purchasing data from these companies, accusing them of exploiting Nigerian consumers.

The boycott aims to pressure mobile network operators (MNOs) into reconsidering the tariff hike while the Federal Government’s review committee continues its work.

The communique reads: “CWC demands an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, which took effect today, and insists that the companies revert to the previous tariff until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement.

“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 has also become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens.

“We also demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned 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.”

The NLC directed its affiliates to commence immediate sensitisation and mobilisation of their members and the general public within their jurisdictions.

“All NLC Affiliate Unions are requested to mobilize their members across the country to observe electronic silence during the designated hours.

“We implore all of our Civil society allies and other interested stakeholders are to join us in making this action effective,” the Congress said.

On the tax reform bills, the NLC said: “The CWC also reviewed the ongoing discussions around the Tax Reform Bills being considered by the government. While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, the Congress insists that any tax policies must be designed to alleviate the burdens on Nigerian workers and not worsen the existing economic hardship. The NLC shall engage with relevant authorities to ensure that tax reforms are fair, equitable, and worker-friendly,” it said.

It added: “The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens. The CWC calls on all Nigerians to unite in this struggle against exploitative economic policies and to actively participate in the outlined actions to demand justice and fairness in telecom, taxation, and transportation policies.”