The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to embark on a nationwide strike from March 1, 2025, if telecom operators fail to reverse the recent 50% tariff hike.
This decision was reached on Thursday during the union’s Central Working Committee meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, where the NLC condemned the increase, insisting it was implemented without due process.
Key Demands and Immediate Action
In a statement, the union criticised telecom operators for going ahead with the hike despite an earlier agreement to allow a 10-man committee to review the proposal within two weeks.
“The CWC received with grave concern the news that telecom companies have commenced the implementation of a 50% tariff hike despite an earlier agreement with the Nigerian government and the NCC,” the union stated.
As an immediate response, the NLC has directed Nigerians to boycott major telecom operators, including MTN, Glo, and Airtel, starting February 13, 2025.
It also demanded the recovery of funds allegedly siphoned abroad by these companies.
“If telecom operators fail to reverse the tariff to the old rate by the end of February, we will embark on a total shutdown of their operations nationwide from March 1, 2025,” the NLC warned.
Subscribers and Experts Call for Reversal
The National Association of Telecoms Subscribers of Nigeria has also rejected the tariff hike, calling for sanctions against operators. Its President, Deolu Ogunbanjo, claimed that customers were experiencing increases far beyond the approved 50%.
“Subscribers are complaining that what they are experiencing is not a 50% increase but a 200% hike,” Ogunbanjo stated, urging the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to intervene.
Meanwhile, telecoms lawyer Ayoola Oke urged President Bola Tinubu to halt the price increase, accusing MTN of using its market dominance to dictate industry rates.
“MTN now controls over 51% of the market, a position it has achieved through anti-competitive practices,” he alleged.