NLC Threatens Nationwide Shutdown Of Telecoms Over 50% Tariff Hike

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to shut down telecommunications companies nationwide starting March 1, 2025, if they don’t reverse the recent 50% tariff hike.

The NLC condemned the hike, calling it a “betrayal of trust” and a “direct slap on the government and its institutions”.

The dispute began when telecommunications companies, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, increased their tariffs despite an earlier agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to reduce the proposed 50% hike.

In response, the NLC directed workers and citizens to boycott the services of these companies daily between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm until the end of February 2025.

The labour movement also demanded the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies.

The telecommunications companies, however, are not backing down, warning that the NLC’s actions would amount to a treasonable felony.

They argue that the tariff hike is necessary due to the rising operational costs in the industry.

The National Association of Telecom Subscribers in Nigeria (NATCOMS) has also weighed in, criticizing the NCC for allowing the telcos to unilaterally increase tariffs.

NATCOMS president, Chief Deolu Ogubanjo, called on the NCC to sanction the telcos for their actions.