- Labour Unions Demand Sanctions Over Alleged Impunity
LAGOS — Following widespread criticism and industrial action threats from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), MTN Nigeria has announced the reversal of its 200% data tariff hike on the 15GB plan. The decision comes after customers and labour unions strongly opposed the unexpected increase, which had sparked nationwide backlash.
The NLC has urged the Federal Government to sanction MTN, citing a violation of stakeholder agreements. Labour leaders have labeled the company’s actions as an act of impunity that should not be tolerated.
MTN’s Price Hike and Sudden Reversal
On February 11, MTN increased the price of its 15GB data plan from N4,500 to N6,500, while the 20GB plan surged from N5,500 to N7,500. Larger data plans were also affected, with the 1.5TB 90-day package rising from N150,000 to N240,000 and the 600GB plan increasing from N75,000 to N120,000. SMS rates were also raised from N4 to N6 per message.
However, after a significant backlash from subscribers, MTN issued an apology on its official X account and reversed the price hikes. The telecom giant acknowledged the frustration caused by the increase and assured customers of its commitment to fair pricing.
Taking responsibility for the decision, MTN stated: “We could give explanations, but omo, all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.”
Public Reaction and Industry Impact
The reversal has received mixed reactions. While some customers appreciated the apology and rollback, others criticized MTN for implementing the hike in the first place, especially given Nigeria’s economic challenges.
Telecom industry insiders suggest that operators, including MTN, had received approval from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a 50% tariff adjustment due to rising operational costs. However, competitors like Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile have yet to implement similar increases.
Labour Unions Demand Action
Organised Labour has condemned MTN’s actions, calling for strict government sanctions. A labour leader, speaking anonymously, described MTN’s move as “an insult to the government of Nigeria” and warned against allowing such corporate behavior to go unchecked.
“The irresponsible act by MTN, while a joint committee of government and labour is still working, should be condemned by the appropriate authorities. This conduct has caused tension across the country, and its economic and security implications are serious,” the labour leader said.
NLC had previously expressed outrage over the tariff hikes by telecom operators, despite an earlier agreement with the Federal Government and NCC. A 10-man committee comprising representatives from both parties was given two weeks to deliberate on the issue. However, some telecom companies implemented the 50% increase before the committee reached a decision.
NLC’s Response and Next Steps
The NLC has threatened to shut down telecom operations nationwide if the price hikes are not fully reversed by the end of February 2025. As part of its protest, the labour union has directed workers and Nigerians to boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. until the end of the month.
In a communique issued after a Central Working Committee meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, the NLC urged Nigerians to suspend purchasing data from affected telecom companies as a form of resistance.
With pressure mounting from both customers and labour unions, it remains to be seen how the telecom industry and regulatory bodies will respond to ensure fairness in pricing and compliance with agreements.
