NLC Directs Boycott of Telecom Giants Over Tariff Hikes

Babatunji Wusu –

• The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a boycott of MTN, Airtel, and Glo services from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM daily starting February 13, 2025, in protest against recent tariff hikes.
• The NLC demands the immediate reversal of the new tariffs, insisting that the companies return to previous rates.
• If the tariff hike is not reversed by February 29, 2025, a nationwide telecom shutdown will commence on March 1, 2025.
• The Congress also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation and warned against fiscal policies that could burden Nigerian workers.

The Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a boycott of the services of telecom giants MTN, Airtel, and Glo, starting on Thursday, February 13, 2025. This move follows the recent hike in telecom tariffs, which the NLC has deemed unjust. In a statement issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero and Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Congress demanded an immediate reversal of the new tariffs, which were implemented on February 13, and called for the companies to revert to their previous rates.

As part of their protest, the NLC has instructed workers and other citizens to refrain from using the services of the three companies between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily throughout February 2025. The Congress also expressed its dissatisfaction with the government, accusing it of failing to safeguard citizens from corporate exploitation.

Additionally, the NLC reviewed the Tax Reform Bills, warning that certain policies could further burden Nigerian workers. While recognizing the need for fiscal reform, the Congress pledged to advocate for tax policies that are fair and beneficial to workers.

Should the tariff hike not be reversed by February 29, 2025, the NLC has threatened to escalate the protest, starting a nationwide telecom shutdown on March 1, 2025. The Congress has urged civil society groups and Nigerians to join in opposing these economic policies.