The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs, describing it as a “betrayal of trust” and an “affront to the principles of negotiation.”
The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the NLC, at its meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, 11 February 2025, said the tariff hike, which took effect the same day, violated an earlier agreement reached with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“The CWC strongly condemns this action by the telecommunications companies, describing it as a betrayal of trust, an affront to the principles of negotiation, and a direct slap on the government and its institutions and a disdain for Nigerian people,” the communiqué read.
It added, “CWC-in-session believes that this is a further demonstration of regulatory capture and impotence in the midst of corporate onslaught and the continuing abandonment of workers and masses to corporate fat cats by the government.”
NLC Declares Protest Actions
In response, the NLC has announced a series of measures to resist the tariff hike. It directed Nigerian workers and citizens to boycott the services of MTN, Airtel, and Glo daily between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. from Thursday, 13 February 2025, until the end of the month.
Other resolutions reached include:
- An immediate reversal of the tariff hike to the previous rate until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement.
- Suspension of data purchases from telecommunications companies as a form of protest.
- A demand for the repatriation of all funds “siphoned out of the country” by the telecom firms.
- A warning that if the tariff is not reversed by the end of February, a total nationwide shutdown of telecom operations will commence on March 1, 2025.
- Mobilisation of all NLC state councils and affiliate unions to sensitise members and enforce the boycott.
The Congress also called on civil society organisations and other stakeholders to join in making the protest effective.
NLC Demands Fair Tax Policies
The CWC also reviewed the ongoing discussions on the proposed Tax Reform Bills and insisted that any tax policies must not worsen the economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers.
“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 communiqué stated.
The NLC vowed to engage with relevant authorities to ensure that tax reforms remain “fair, equitable, and worker-friendly.”
NLC Reaffirms Commitment to Workers’ Welfare
Concluding its communiqué, the NLC reiterated its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens,” it stated. “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 telecommunications, taxation, and transportation policies.”
The statement was signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja.
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