The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a nationwide boycott of telecom services in protest of the recent 50% tariff hike implemented by telecom operators. This move comes after the operators ignored the outcome of a review process agreed upon with the government.
The NLC accused telecom companies of breaching public trust and flouting due process by implementing the tariff hike before the 10-man review panel completed its deliberations. The union also chastised the government for failing to safeguard citizens from corporate exploitation.
In a communique, NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja urged workers and citizens to suspend purchasing data from telecom companies, citing their role in exploiting Nigerian citizens. The union demanded the repatriation of funds unlawfully siphoned out of the country by these firms.
The NLC has given telecom companies until the end of February 2025 to reverse the tariff increase, warning of a nationwide shutdown of their services starting March 1, 2025, if they fail to comply.
In contrast, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers has distanced itself from the NLC’s call for a boycott, instead advocating for the Nigerian Communications Commission to sanction operators for proceeding with the increase without approval.
The House of Representatives has also directed the telecom regulator and the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy to suspend the tariff hike, citing the impact of rising inflation and the removal of fuel subsidies on Nigerians’ ability to afford higher telecom costs.
