The NLC will begin protesting nationwide.
Nigeria News Nalin The Nigerian Labor Conference (NLC) vows to hold a nationwide protest if telecom companies fail to reverse the recently implemented 50% tariff rate hike.
The decision was announced following a meeting of the Central Working Committee (CWC) in Lokoja, Kogi State on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
The NLC condemned the increase in tariffs as a betrayal of the trust and an insult to the principle of negotiation, saying the increase ignored early agreements reached with the federal government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The labor agency recalls that a 10-person committee had been set up to review the matter within two weeks before the final decision on the new tariff structure was made.
As part of its resistance strategy, NLC directs Nigerian workers and is willing to boycott MTN, Airtel and Glo’s services between 13 February and 13 February from 11:00 pm to 2:00 pm.
Congress also urged citizens to suspend purchasing data from these telecom providers and accused the provider of exploiting Nigerians.
In addition, the NLC requested the repatriation of funds stolen from Nigeria and issued a final deadline on February 29, 2025 for tariff revocation.
It warned that if not complying, it would result in nationwide closure of telecommunications services nationwide, starting from March 1, 2025.
The NLC also directed its State Department and its staff union to begin mass sensitivity and mobilize its members and the public.
It called on civil society organizations and stakeholders to join the movement against what it calls the exploitative tariff system, benefiting the rich at the expense of ordinary Nigerians.
In addition to the telecom tariff issue, the CWC has also considered the proposed tax reform bill currently under consideration by the government.
In recognizing the need for fiscal adjustments, the NLC insists that no new tax policy should impose additional difficulties on workers.
It promises to attract relevant stakeholders to ensure tax reforms are fair, transparent and impartial.
