Lagos— Despite a previous agreement reached with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed outrage over the tariff hike by telecommunications companies and called for an immediate reversal of the increase to avoid unpleasant consequences.
Recall that almost two weeks ago, the Federal Government and NLC concluded a meeting that the former had called to discuss ways to lower the proposed 50% price increase.
Before a judgment was made, a 10-member committee—five from each of the two parties—was established and given two weeks to continue deliberating on the matter.
Although the committee’s two-week deadline is coming to an end this week, some telecom firms have already increased their data by 50%.
Leaders of the NLC in a communique at the end of a Central Working Committee, CWC, meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, urged workers and citizens to suspend purchase of data from the telecommunications companies.
The communique, signed by the President and General Secretary of Congress, Joe Ajaero, and Emma Ugboaja, respectively, directed state councils and industrial union affiliates to commence immediate sensitization and mobilization of their members and the general public within their jurisdiction
An increase in tariffs
“Despite an earlier agreement reached with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, the CWC received with great concern the news that telecommunications companies have begun implementation of a 50 percent tariff hike on February 11.”It was noted that prior to a final decision on the new telecom tariff structure, a committee consisting of ten members had been established to discuss the issue for two weeks and provide a report.
The telecoms corporations’ move is harshly condemned by the CWC, which calls it a betrayal of confidence, an insult to the principles of negotiation, a direct slap on the government and its institutions, and a show of contempt for the Nigerian people.
“CWC-in-session considers this to be an additional indication of regulatory
The CWC has ordered Nigerian workers and other willing citizens to boycott MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO services starting today, Thursday, February 13, 2025, between 11:00 am and 2:00 pm, until the end of February 2025, as a first move in opposing this arbitrary rate hike.
It is recommended that all employees and people refrain from purchasing data from these businesses. We also call for the return of all money that these businesses have syphoned out of the nation.
It is recommended that all employees and people refrain from purchasing data from these businesses. We also call for the return of all money that these businesses have syphoned out of the nation.
A complete statewide shutdown of the telecom companies’ operations will start on March 1, 2025, if they don’t return to the previous pricing by the end of February 2025.
Tax reform bills
On the Tax reform bills, the communique stated: “The CWC also reviewed the ongoing discussions around the Tax Reform Bills being considered by government. While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, the Congress insists that any tax policies must be designed to alleviate the burdens on Nigerian workers and not worsen the existing economic hardship.
“The NLC shall engage with relevant authorities to ensure that tax reforms are fair, equitable and worker-friendly.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens. The CWC calls on all Nigerians to unite in this struggle against exploitative economic policies and to actively participate in the outlined actions to demand justice and fairness in telecommunications, taxation, and transportation policies.
The telcos went crazy with the data pricing hike instead of waiting for the NLC and other stakeholders, including us, to meet with the NCC and the telcos in a week to seek a mutually agreeable solution to the problems.
“Where had the NCC gone? NCC has to discipline them immediately to restore their reputation because it is a shame. That is our stance.
The telecoms, however, argued that the claim that telecom services should continue to be artificially inexpensive due to the rising cost of food and other necessities was faulty in order to defend the pricing increase.
“Telecommunications cannot be used as a subsidy for economic hardship in other sectors,” stated Engr. Gbenga Adebayo, chairman of ALTON. The quality of services will decline if costs stay unsustainablely low, and eventually,
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