The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is again at loggerheads with the government, this time over the recent 50% tariff hike approved for telecom operators.
The NLC has rejected the hike, directing Nigerians to boycott telecom services daily between 11 am and 2 pm.
NLC Insists on Reversal
The Unions insist that the tariff hike will further burden Nigerians, already struggling to make ends meet. “United we stand against telecoms exploitation. Say no to telecom tariff hike,” the NLC wrote on its official social media page.
The union also announced plans to embark on nationwide protests against the development.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, accused the government of failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation. He argued that the tariff hike was a betrayal of public trust, given the earlier agreement to establish a committee to review the proposed hike.
The government, however, has defended the tariff hike, citing the need for telecom operators to remain competitive. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved the tariff hike, saying it was necessary to prevent a collapse of the industry.
The Commission also assured that the hike would not exceed 50% of current tariffs, although the telco’s asked for 100%
These adjustments will remain within the tariff bands stipulated in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, as is the Commission’s standard practice for tariff reviews. It will be implemented in strict adherence to the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024, according to a statement by NCC Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Muoka.
Security Agencies Intervene
Notwithstanding, the government has shown its teeth, deploying security operatives to prevent any potential disruptions to telecom services. The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned the NLC of the potential risks to national security and public safety if they continue to toe the line of resistance to the tariff increase.
“We will not allow any action that will jeopardize the security of the nation,” said NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi.
He added, “Already, the NSCDC commandant-general has directed state commandants to maintain round-the-clock surveillance in and around all the telecom masts in their locations.
“Also, there is going to be nationwide massive deployment of the officers and men of the corps, including undercover and intelligence operatives, to maintain peace and ensure that all the government and corporate organisations’ critical national assets and infrastructure are protected from the miscreants who might likely use the opportunity of the planned protest to carry out their criminal activities.’’
“Available credible intelligence already established the fact that the planned protest will be hijacked by hoodlums and that is why the NSCDC is on top of the situation,” he further stated.
Other Stakeholders Praise the Hike
The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria have also criticized the NLC’s planned protest, arguing that the tariff hike is necessary to prevent a collapse of the industry.
Abdullahi Okonu, Secretary-General of the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, said the union had already made its position clear, arguing that the increase is necessary to prevent the industry’s collapse.
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