The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has urged Nigerians to boycott MTN, Airtel, Glo, and other telecom services in protest against a 50% tariff hike.
Despite an agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), telecom companies went ahead with the price increase, prompting the NLC to issue a March 1 deadline for a total shutdown of their operations if the tariffs are not reversed.
In a communique signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the Congress accused telecom firms of betraying trust and ignoring due process by implementing the hike before a proper review was completed.
NLC’s Protest Directives:
- Daily Boycott: Nigerians should avoid using MTN, Airtel, and Glo services from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM starting Thursday, February 13 until the end of the month.
- Suspend Data Purchases: Customers should refrain from buying data from these companies.
- Public Mobilization: NLC state councils and affiliate unions will raise awareness about the protest.
The NLC also criticized the government for failing to shield Nigerians from corporate exploitation and warned against anti-worker tax policies in the ongoing Tax Reform Bill review.
The Congress has vowed that if the tariff hike is not reversed by February 29, 2025, a nationwide telecom shutdown will begin on March 1. NLC has called on civil society groups and all Nigerians to join the protest against economic policies that increase financial hardship.
