NLC Opposes 50% Telecom Tariff Hike, Threatens Nationwide Shutdown

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) demanded that the recent 50% pricing increase by telecom firms be immediately reversed in order to avoid serious economic repercussions.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Federal Government, and telecom providers reached an agreement, but corporations have gone ahead with the rise. As a result, the NLC has set a deadline of March 1 for the complete closure of telecom operations if the tariffs are not brought back.
The NLC has issued the following directives to employees and citizens in order to oppose the hike:

Every day from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, until the end of the month, boycott MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO services.
Put a stop to all data purchases from these businesses.

NLC state councils and affiliate unions can be used to raise awareness and mobilize the people.

Complaints Against Telecom Companies
In a statement signed by General Secretary Emma Ugboaja and President Joe Ajaero, the NLC charged telecom companies with violating due process and breaching confidence by enacting the raise before the agreed-upon assessment was finished.

Additionally, the government’s failure to shield citizens from corporate exploitation was chastised by the Congress.

The Tax Reform Bills were also examined by the NLC, which cautioned against measures that would put further strain on Nigerian workers. In order to avoid overtaxation, the Congress pledged to promote equitable and worker-friendly tax laws while admitting the necessity of economic changes.

As of March 1, 2025, the NLC has threatened to start a statewide communication shutdown if the tariff hike is not overturned by February 29, 2025.

Additionally, the Congress called on civil society organizations and Nigerians in general to join forces in opposition to exploitative economic practices.