The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has condemned the recent 50% tariff hike by telecommunications companies, calling for an immediate reversal to avoid severe consequences.
Despite an agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, telecom firms have proceeded with the increase, prompting NLC to issue a March 1 deadline for a total shutdown of their operations if the tariffs are not rolled back.
To resist the hike, NLC has directed workers and citizens to:
- Boycott MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, starting Thursday, February 13, until the end of the month.
- Suspend data purchases from these companies.
- Mobilize and sensitize the public through NLC state councils and affiliate unions.
In a communique signed by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the NLC accused telecom firms of betraying trust and disregarding due process by implementing the hike before the agreed-upon review was completed.
The Congress also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.
Also, NLC reviewed the Tax Reform Bills, warning against policies that could further burden Nigerian workers.
While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, the Congress vowed to push for fair and worker-friendly tax policies.
If the tariff hike is not reversed by February 29, 2025, the NLC will commence a nationwide telecom shutdown from March 1. The Congress urged civil society groups and all Nigerians to join the protest against exploitative economic policies.
(Vanguard)
