The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to initiate a nationwide strike from March 1, 2025, unless telecommunications companies revert to the previous tariff rates.
This follows the controversial 50% increase in telecom charges, which the NLC argues was implemented without proper procedure.
At its Central Working Committee meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Thursday, the NLC condemned the tariff hike, asserting that no changes should have been made while ongoing negotiations with the government were still in progress.
“The CWC is deeply concerned about the implementation of the 50% tariff hike by telecom companies, despite an agreement made 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,” the union stated.
In response, the NLC has called for a boycott of major telecom providers, including MTN, Glo, and Airtel, starting February 13, 2025. It also demanded the recovery of funds allegedly siphoned abroad by these companies.
“If telecom operators fail to revert to the old rates by the end of February, we will initiate a total shutdown of their operations nationwide starting March 1, 2025,” the union warned.
The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers of Nigeria (NATCOMS) has also rejected the tariff increase, calling for sanctions against the telecom providers. NATCOMS President, Deolu Ogunbanjo, accused operators of ignoring an agreement to allow a committee to review the hike before it was implemented.
“Subscribers are complaining that they are not facing a 50% increase but rather a 200% hike,” Ogunbanjo said, urging the NCC to clarify the approved adjustments.
Telecoms lawyer Ayoola Oke has also urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene and halt the tariff increase, accusing MTN of using its market dominance to set industry prices. He added, “MTN now controls over 51% of the market, a position it has gained through anti-competitive practices.”
