The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned telecom companies to reverse their recent tariff hike by the end of February 2025 or face a nationwide shutdown of their operations from March 1, 2025.
Following its Central Working Committee meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, the NLC announced plans to resist the increase by boycotting the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO.
In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union demanded an immediate return to the old tariff, which was increased on February 13, 2025.
As part of its protest, the NLC directed Nigerian workers and citizens to stop using the services of these telecom providers daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February. It also urged people to avoid purchasing data from these companies, accusing them of exploiting Nigerians.
The NLC further demanded that all funds allegedly siphoned abroad by these telecom firms be returned.
To prepare for further action, NLC State Councils were instructed to start mobilizing workers and the public. Affiliate unions were also asked to observe “electronic silence” during the designated boycott hours. The NLC called on civil society groups and other stakeholders to support the protest.
On tax reforms, the NLC acknowledged the government’s ongoing discussions but insisted that any new tax policies must reduce the financial burden on workers, not worsen economic hardship. The union vowed to engage with authorities to ensure fair and worker-friendly tax reforms.
