NLC calls for telecoms services boycott over tariff hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers and concerned Nigerians to boycott the services of major telecommunications providers—MTN, Airtel, and Glo—between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily, starting Thursday, February 13, 2025.

The action is in protest against the recent hike in telecom tariffs, which the union describes as “arbitrary and unjustified.”

The directive was issued in a statement jointly signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja on Wednesday.

In the statement, the NLC condemned the tariff hike, stating that it violates an agreement between the Federal Government and telecom operators, which was expected to prevent such increases pending further negotiations.

“The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the NLC demands an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, which took effect today. We insist that telecom companies revert to previous tariff rates until discussions are concluded and a mutually agreeable decision is reached,” the statement read.

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To put pressure on the telecom operators and the government, the NLC is calling on Nigerians to boycott the services of MTN, Airtel, and Glo for three hours daily, continuing until the end of February 2025.

“This is the first step in resisting this arbitrary hike. We urge Nigerian workers and other willing citizens to switch off their mobile networks and refrain from making calls or using data services during the designated hours,” the statement added.

The latest tariff increase has been met with widespread criticism from consumers, many of whom are already struggling with rising inflation, food prices, and fuel costs. Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express frustration, accusing telecom operators of exploiting economic hardships to maximize profits.

Economic analysts have also weighed in on the development. Dr. Paul Igbokwe, an economist and telecom industry expert, described the tariff increase as “ill-timed and inconsiderate.”

“The purchasing power of Nigerians has already been eroded by double-digit inflation and declining real wages. This tariff hike will further burden individuals and businesses that rely on affordable telecom services,” he explained.

As of press time, neither the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) nor the affected telecom operators have responded to the NLC’s demands.

However, industry sources suggest that the tariff hike may have been influenced by rising operational costs, the high cost of diesel, and foreign exchange volatility affecting the sector.

The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the telecom companies will bow to pressure and reverse the hike, or if the NLC will escalate its protest beyond the current three-hour boycott.