The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the 50% tariff hike by telecommunications companies, demanding an immediate reversal and announcing a nationwide boycott of services starting from 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 13, 2025. The boycott will target MTN, Airtel, and Glo.
This decision was made after a meeting of the NLC’s Central Working Committee (CWC) held in Lokoja on Tuesday, with a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and made available to Nigerian NewsDirect on Wednesday.
The NLC expressed grave concern over the implementation of a 50% tariff hike by telecom companies, despite an earlier agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to deliberate on the matter. A 10-man committee was set up by the government following NLC’s objections to the hike, with a two-week period for deliberations before any final decisions would be made.
The NLC condemned the actions of the telecommunications companies, calling it a “betrayal of trust” and an affront to the principles of negotiation. It also criticised the government’s regulatory impotence, accusing it of siding with corporate interests at the expense of the Nigerian people.
According to the NLC, “The 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. This unwarranted and premature tariff hike demands an immediate response from our collective resolve since the government clearly favours the rich against the people.”
In its resolution, the NLC demanded the immediate reversal of the tariff hike and insisted that the telecom companies revert to the previous rates until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement.
The NLC stated, “We demand an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, which took effect today, and insist that the companies revert to the previous tariff until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement.”
The CWC announced that, starting from Thursday, February 13, 2025, Nigerian workers and other citizens would boycott the services of MTN, Airtel, and Glo daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February 2025.
“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,” the NLC resolution read.
The NLC further urged the suspension of data purchases from these companies, describing them as tools for exploiting Nigerian consumers. “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 statement continued.
The NLC also called for the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by the telecom companies. “We demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies,” the NLC stated.
“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 warned.
The NLC has instructed all State Councils to sensitise and mobilise members and the public, and urged its affiliate unions to observe electronic silence during the designated hours.
“All NLC Affiliate Unions are requested to mobilize their members across the country to observe electronic silence during the designated hours,” the NLC resolution said.Civil society organisations and other stakeholders are also encouraged to join the action.
The CWC also discussed the ongoing tax reform bills being considered by the government, stressing that any tax policies must ease the burden on Nigerian workers and not exacerbate economic hardships. The NLC pledged to engage with relevant authorities to ensure that tax reforms are fair, equitable, and worker-friendly.
“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,” the NLC said.
While the NLC has not specified the duration of the boycott beyond February, it has warned that more drastic measures, including full-day blackouts and potential legal action, could follow if their demands are not met.
The NLC’s stance has sparked widespread reactions across the country. Many Nigerians, particularly workers and small business owners, have expressed frustration over the rising cost of mobile services.
Chiemena, an Abuja-based tech entrepreneur, said, “It’s becoming unbearable. Data used to last longer, but now it feels like I’m spending twice as much for the same service. I support the NLC’s action because something needs to change.”
However, some telecommunications experts argue that the price hike reflects rising operational costs, including increased electricity tariffs, inflation, and the high cost of maintaining network infrastructure.
A senior executive from one of the affected companies, speaking anonymously, explained, “Nigeria has one of the lowest telecom tariffs in Africa, and maintaining that pricing has become increasingly difficult. We’re open to discussions with the NLC and the government to find a sustainable solution.”
As tensions rise, there are indications that the federal government may intervene to mediate the dispute. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives called on the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the NCC to halt the 50% tariff hike until the service quality is improved.
“Telecommunications is a key driver of Nigeria’s digital economy,” said Dr. Ifeanyi Ugochukwu, an economic analyst. “While the NLC’s action is a strong statement against unfair pricing, it must be balanced with the need to keep communication services stable for businesses and individuals alike.”
This protest is set to test the power of consumer activism in Nigeria’s digital age.
