The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on workers and the public to boycott the services of major telecommunications companies—MTN, Airtel, and Glo—daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, starting February 13, 2025. This protest is in response to a recent tariff increase, which the NLC describes as “arbitrary and exploitative.”
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero and Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja demanded an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, warning of further action if their demands are not met. The NLC accused both the telecom providers and the government of failing to prioritize the welfare of Nigerians, especially amid rising inflation, stagnant wages, and economic hardships.
Key Points from the NLC Statement
- Immediate Reversal Demanded:
The NLC’s Central Working Committee (CWC) called for an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, insisting that telecom companies revert to the previous rates until a conclusive agreement is reached. - Daily Boycott Directive:
Starting February 13, 2025, Nigerian workers and citizens are urged to boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February. - Escalation Warning:
If the telecom operators fail to reverse the tariff increase by February 29, the NLC has threatened to escalate its actions, including a full nationwide telecom shutdown starting March 1, 2025. - Call for Solidarity:
The NLC urged civil society groups and all Nigerians to join the protest against exploitative economic policies, emphasizing the need for collective action to challenge rising costs of essential services.
NLC Criticizes Government Policies
Beyond the telecom sector, the NLC also reviewed ongoing tax reform bills and criticized the government’s fiscal policies. While acknowledging the need for reforms, the Congress warned against measures that could further strain workers and pledged to advocate for policies that do not impose additional financial burdens on already struggling Nigerians.
Why This Matters
The NLC’s protest highlights the growing frustration among Nigerians over rising living costs and the perceived lack of accountability from both corporations and the government. The telecom tariff hike comes at a time when many citizens are grappling with economic challenges, making the NLC’s call for action resonate widely.
