NLC CALLS FOR NATIONWIDE BOYCOTT OF MAJOR TELECOM COMPANIES OVER TARIFF HIKE

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a nationwide boycott of major telecom companies like MTN, Airtel, and Glo, starting at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 13, 2025. This move is in response to the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Reasons Behind the Boycott

The NLC is opposing the tariff hike, describing it as an unjust burden on citizens already grappling with economic challenges. They argue that the increase will negatively impact Nigerian workers, who already spend approximately 10% of their income on telecom charges.

“The tariff hike is a clear example of the government’s insensitivity to the plight of Nigerians,” said NLC President, Joe Ajaero. “We cannot continue to bear the brunt of the government’s poor economic policies. We urge all Nigerians to join us in this boycott and send a clear message to the government that we will not be taken for granted.”

Reactions from Telecom Companies

The telecom companies have been facing significant financial challenges, including soaring operational costs due to fuel subsidy removal, high electricity tariffs, and the depreciation of the Naira. The tariff increase is intended to help the companies maintain their services and prevent a collapse of the sector.

“We understand the concerns of the NLC, but we must emphasize that the tariff hike is necessary to ensure the sustainability of our services,” said a spokesperson for MTN Nigeria. “We urge the NLC to reconsider their stance and engage in constructive dialogue with us to find a solution that works for all parties.”

Counter-Reaction from PTECSSAN

On the other hand, the Private Telecommunications & Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has urged the NLC to reconsider its stance on the tariff hike, emphasizing that protests and industrial actions will not prevent the imminent collapse of the sector.

“PTECSSAN is worried that the NLC’s call for a boycott will only worsen the situation and lead to job losses in the sector,” said PTECSSAN President, Opeyemi Tomori. “We urge the NLC to engage in constructive dialogue with the telecom companies and the government to find a solution that works for all parties.”

Impact of the Boycott

It’s unclear how long the boycott will last, but it’s likely to cause disruptions to telecom services across the country. The boycott may also have a significant impact on businesses that rely on telecom services, such as banks, hospitals, and e-commerce platforms.

The NLC has urged all Nigerians to join the boycott and refrain from using services provided by MTN, Airtel, and Glo, starting at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

“We must stand together and fight against this unjust tariff hike,” said Ajaero. “We will not be silenced or intimidated. We will continue to fight for the rights of Nigerian workers and citizens.”