NLC Demands Reversal of Telecom Tariff, Threatens to Shut Down
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded an immediate reversal of the recent 50% tariff hike by telecommunication companies, warning of nationwide disruptions if their call is ignored.
In a communique signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, following a meeting of the NLC Central Working Committee in Lokoja on Tuesday, the union accused telecom firms of disregarding due process by implementing the hike before the review by the 10-man committee was completed..
The NLC accused the government of neglecting its duty to protect citizens from corporate exploitation, stressing that the tariff hike disproportionately affects low-income families who depend on telecom services for communication and information access.
In protest, the NLC has called for a nationwide boycott of telecom services from major providers like MTN, Airtel, and Glo daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM, starting 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.
“We also demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies.
If the tariffs are not rolled back by February 29, the NLC warns it will initiate a total shutdown of telecom operations across Nigeria from March 1. They have urged civil society groups and all Nigerians to join in opposing what they see as exploitative economic policie.
