The NLC has initiated a boycott of MTN, Airtel, and Glo from February 13-28, 2025, due to a 50% hike in tariffs. They demand an immediate reversal of this increase and have threatened a nationwide shutdown if their demands are not met by the end of February 2025. The union accuses the telecom companies of corporate exploitation and has mobilized its members to join the protest.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a nationwide boycott of services from major telecom providers MTN, Airtel, and Glo, effective February 13-28, 2025, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. This action is in response to a significant 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs that was recently implemented. The NLC demands an immediate reversal of the tariff increase to mitigate what they consider corporate exploitation of citizens.
In a communiqué issued by NLC President Joe Ajaero and Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Central Working Committee (CWC) emphasized that the directive aims to prompt a review of the revised telecommunications rates. They insist that the companies revert to previous tariffs pending the deliberation outcomes by a newly constituted committee. If the tariffs do not revert by the end of February 2025, the NLC plans to escalate actions starting with a total operational shutdown of telecom companies from March 1, 2025.
The NLC has urged all workers and citizens participating in the boycott to refrain from purchasing mobile data from these companies. They condemned the companies for acting without due process, emphasizing the lack of communication regarding tariff changes that were made before an ongoing review was completed. In light of this situation, the NLC also demands the repatriation of funds that they allege were improperly taken out of Nigeria by these telecom providers.
To support the boycott, NLC has instructed its affiliates to mobilize members to observe these actions and to ensure compliance across various sectors nationwide. There has been criticism directed at both the telecom companies for disregarding previous agreements and the Federal Government for not protecting citizens from such corporate hikes.
The NLC’s call for a boycott against MTN, Airtel, and Glo highlights serious concerns about the recent tariff hikes that will affect many Nigerians. The union has mobilized its members to resist these changes while demanding government accountability. The outcome of these protests may influence future telecommunications policies in Nigeria.
Original Source: gazettengr.com
