NLC Threatens Nationwide Action as Telecom Operators Ignore Tariff Reduction Agreement

Government’s Silence Sparks Outrage Over Telecom Tariff Hike

the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) More than a month after the Nigerian government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and organized labor reached an agreement to reduce the telecommunications tariff hike from 50 percent to 35 percent, neither the government nor the NCC has issued any statement regarding the promised 15 percent reduction. Meanwhile, telecommunications operators have continued with the full 50 percent tariff increase, showing no signs of implementing the agreed-upon reduction.

The situation has led to growing frustration among labour leaders and the general public, who view the tariff hike as exploitative, especially amid rising economic hardship and poverty in Nigeria. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which had initially pressured the government to review the tariff hike, is now preparing to take drastic action against the NCC and telecom operators for failing to honor their commitment.

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Background: NLC’s Initial Protest Against Telecom Tariff Hike

Earlier, the NLC had strongly opposed the initial 50 percent increase in telecommunications tariffs, arguing that it would place an additional burden on Nigerians already struggling with high living costs. The union threatened to shut down telecom operations nationwide if the government and NCC did not address the issue.

In response to NLC’s pressure, the government and NCC agreed to reduce the tariff increase from 50 percent to 35 percent. To facilitate this process, a 10-member committee was formed, consisting of five representatives from the government and five from the NLC. The committee was tasked with reviewing the tariff hike and presenting a report within two weeks before a final decision on the new pricing structure.

On February 21, 2025, the committee convened at the National Security Adviser’s office. After three hours of deliberations, members reportedly agreed to implement a 15 percent tariff reduction. According to sources, an official communiqué confirming this decision was expected to be released on February 22. However, to date, no such announcement has been made, leaving many to question whether the government and NCC ever intended to follow through with their promise.

NLC Accuses Government of Deception, Plans Direct Action

The failure to implement the agreed tariff reduction has angered NLC leaders, who now suspect that they have been deliberately misled. In response, the NLC has begun mobilizing workers and citizens for direct action against the NCC and telecommunications operators.

An NLC source revealed to Vanguard:

“We have received directives to commence mobilization since last week. The date for the industrial action against the NCC and telecom operators is fixed, but we are not revealing it yet. We thought we had resolved this matter over a month ago, but it seems as though we’ve been scammed. We have decided to confront this issue head-on.”

According to insiders, the NLC is finalizing plans for a large-scale protest and industrial action targeting both the regulatory body and major telecom providers.

NLC Issues Ultimatum: Nationwide Shutdown Threat Looms

On February 12, 2025, the NLC publicly condemned the continued 50 percent tariff hike, which directly contradicted the government’s promise to lower the increase. The union demanded an immediate reversal of the price hike and issued a stern warning:

If telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff structure by the end of February 2025, a nationwide shutdown of their operations will begin on March 1, 2025.

As part of its protest strategy, the NLC also called on Nigerian workers and citizens to boycott the services of MTN, Airtel, and Glo for several hours each day. The union urged the public to suspend all data purchases and network usage from these telecom providers between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. throughout February 2025.

In a communiqué released after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, on February 11, the NLC described the telecom tariff increase as a “tool of exploitation.” The statement, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, directed all NLC State Councils and affiliate unions to mobilize their members and raise awareness about the protest action.

Telecom Operators and Government’s Silence Deepens Public Frustration

Despite the growing tension, telecom operators and government officials have remained silent on the issue. Industry experts suggest that the telecom companies may be reluctant to lower their tariffs due to rising operational costs, including inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and increased taxation.

However, NLC leaders argue that the tariff increase disproportionately affects ordinary Nigerians, many of whom rely on mobile networks for business, education, and communication. With an already struggling economy, many fear that the high cost of telecommunications services will further hinder economic activities and increase financial hardship.

What Happens Next?

With the deadline for compliance fast approaching, all eyes are now on the government, the NCC, and telecom operators. If no action is taken to reverse the tariff hike, the NLC is expected to proceed with its planned shutdown of telecom operations on March 1, 2025.

The looming industrial action could have far-reaching consequences, disrupting communication services nationwide and affecting businesses, financial transactions, and government operations. Many stakeholders are urging the government and telecom operators to engage with the NLC and find a resolution before the situation escalates into a full-blown crisis.

For now, the uncertainty surrounding the tariff hike remains, with millions of Nigerians anxiously awaiting a resolution. If the government and telecom companies fail to act, the NLC’s planned protest could become one of the most significant industrial actions in Nigeria’s telecommunications history.