The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to telecommunications companies, demanding a reversal of the recent 50% tariff hike. The union has set a deadline of February 29, 2025, and threatened to embark on a nationwide strike starting March 1 if the demand is not met.
The decision was made at the Central Working Committee meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, where the NLC condemned the tariff increase, calling it an unjustified move made without due process. The labour union emphasized that negotiations with the government were still ongoing when the price adjustment was implemented.
“The CWC received with grave concern the news that telecom companies have commenced the implementation of a 50% tariff hike despite an earlier agreement reached with the Nigerian government and the NCC. A 10-man committee had been set up to review the matter within two weeks before any final decision on the new tariff structure was to be made,” the NLC stated.
As an immediate response, the NLC has called on Nigerians to boycott major telecom operators, including MTN, Glo, and Airtel, beginning February 13, 2025. It also demanded the recovery of funds allegedly siphoned abroad by these companies.
“If telecom operators fail to reverse the tariff to the old rate by the end of February, we will embark on a total shutdown of their operations nationwide from March 1, 2025,” the union warned.
The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers of Nigeria has also rejected the tariff hike, with its President, Deolu Ogunbanjo, accusing operators of disregarding an agreement to allow a review before implementation. He further claimed that many subscribers were experiencing a 200% increase rather than the reported 50% hike.
Meanwhile, telecoms lawyer Ayoola Oke has urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene, accusing MTN of using its market dominance to dictate industry prices. “MTN now controls over 51% of the market, a position it has achieved through anti-competitive practices,” he said.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has yet to respond to the growing backlash, while labour and consumer groups continue to mount pressure for immediate action.
