The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the sudden implementation of a 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs, describing it as a betrayal of trust and a blatant disregard for due process.
The decision was reached at the CWC meeting held in Lokoja, Kogi State on Wednesday, February 12, where key national issues, including tax reforms and transportation policies, were discussed.
At the end of the meeting, a communique signed by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja was issued to the press.
NLC stated that If the tariff hike was not reversed latest by February 29, 2025, the labor union will commence a nationwide shutdown of telecom services from March 1, 2025.
The NLC expressed deep concern that telecom operators, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, proceeded with the tariff hike despite an agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to deliberate on the matter before any changes were made.
The CWC described this move as “a direct slap on the government and its institutions and a disdain for the Nigerian people.”
Condemning what it termed “regulatory capture and impotence,” the NLC accused the government of abandoning workers and ordinary citizens to the mercy of corporate entities.
In response, the NLC announced a series of actions to resist the tariff hike including immediate reversal of the terrifying hike, insisting that telecom companies revert to previous tariffs until negotiations are concluded.
The labor union also demanded among others, daily telecom boycott beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025 (tomorrow) from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM until the end of February, mobile data purchase suspension by Nigerians, and demand for fund repatriation allegedly siphoned put of the country by the Telecom companies
NLC has also directed State Councils and affiliate unions to begin sensitization and mobilization efforts, encouraged general public to observe electronic silence during the designated boycott hours, as well as a call on civil society organizations and other stakeholders to join the movement against what it describes as exploitative economic policies.
The CWC also deliberated on the proposed Tax Reform Bills, emphasizing that while fiscal reforms are necessary, they must not worsen economic hardship for Nigerian workers.
The NLC vowed to engage with relevant authorities to ensure tax policies are fair and do not disproportionately burden workers.
Reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers, the NLC urged all Nigerians to support the struggle against economic exploitation. The Congress encouraged active participation in protests against unfair telecom charges, taxation policies, and transportation issues.