Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has instructed Nigerian workers and the general public to boycott mobile telecom services starting Thursday, February 13, 2025, in protest against the recent 50% tariff hike implemented by telecom operators.
In a statement released after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Kogi State on Tuesday, the NLC condemned the tariff increase, describing it as a violation of an agreement previously reached with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Daily Boycott and Data Purchase Suspension
As part of its protest strategy, the NLC directed that all workers and concerned Nigerians should refrain from using MTN, Airtel, and Globacom services between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily until the end of February 2025. The Union also urged workers to suspend data purchases, arguing that telecom operators have been exploiting consumers through excessive charges.
According to the NLC, telecom operators began implementing the 50% tariff hike on Tuesday, despite an agreement to wait for a 10-man committee to conclude deliberations on the matter within two weeks.
NLC Condemns Tariff Hike, Calls for Reversal
The Union strongly criticized the telecom companies, calling their action a “betrayal of trust” and an “affront to negotiation principles.” It further accused the government of failing to regulate the industry effectively, allowing corporate entities to take advantage of Nigerians.
The NLC demanded an immediate reversal of the tariff hike and insisted that the previous rates remain in place until the committee finalizes its recommendations. It warned that if telecom operators fail to comply by February 29, 2025, the Union would escalate its protest by shutting down telecom operations nationwide from March 1, 2025.
Nationwide Mobilization Begins
To enforce the protest, the NLC has directed all its state councils and affiliate unions to mobilize workers and the public for awareness campaigns. It also encouraged citizens to observe “electronic silence” during the designated boycott hours.
Telecom Workers Oppose NLC’s Action
Meanwhile, the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN), an affiliate of the NLC, has distanced itself from the protest. In a letter to the NLC leadership, PTECSSAN defended the tariff hike, warning that without it, telecom operators might struggle to sustain their businesses.
The group argued that the price increase was necessary to prevent a sector-wide collapse, which could lead to service disruptions affecting finance, security, and other critical sectors.
Background on the Tariff Increase
Telecom giant MTN became the first operator to implement the new tariff structure on Tuesday, increasing its data plan prices. Other major providers, including Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile, had not adjusted data prices at the time but had begun charging N6.00 per text message, up from the previous N4.00—reflecting the 50% hike.
As the standoff between the NLC and telecom operators continues, the coming weeks will determine whether the government and regulatory bodies will intervene to resolve the dispute.
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