NLC Declares Nationwide Telecom Boycott Over Tariff Hike

In a demonstration of consumer activism, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide boycott of major telecommunications providers—MTN, Airtel, and Glo—effective daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM starting Thursday, February 13, 2025, until the proposed tariff hikes are reversed. This decision comes in response to a recent 50% increase in tariffs that has significantly raised the cost of mobile data, voice calls, and SMS services, leaving millions of Nigerians struggling amid persistent economic challenges.

At a press conference held on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja issued a joint statement condemning the price increase. “The recent increase in telecom tariffs is not only arbitrary but also insensitive, given the current economic hardship in the country,” the statement read. They argued that the hike, which comes at a time when inflation is high and wages remain stagnant, places an unfair burden on Nigerian workers and the general public. “Millions of Nigerians rely on affordable mobile services for their businesses, education, and daily communication. This hike will only worsen the financial strain on workers and citizens already grappling with rising inflation,” Ajaero stated.

The NLC’s directive states that every civil servants and concerned citizens are urged to boycott the services of MTN, Airtel, and Glo during the specified hours until the end of February 2025. The union believes that such a coordinated action will send a powerful message to telecom operators, forcing them to reconsider their pricing strategies. “This is a fight for fairness. If millions of Nigerians refrain from using these services for just a few hours daily, the revenue losses will be significant enough to send a clear message to the operators,” said Ajaero.

The controversy erupted after telecom giant MTN Nigeria implemented a sharp price adjustment on its data and SMS packages. Recent reports indicate that the cost of a 15GB data plan has risen dramatically—from N4,500 to N6,500—while the 20GB plan now costs N7,500 instead of N5,500. Larger packages have seen even steeper hikes, with the 1.5TB 90-day package increasing from N150,000 to N240,000, and the 600GB 90-day plan rising from N75,000 to N120,000. SMS rates have also increased from N4 to N6 per message. These adjustments have not only sparked outrage on social media but have also prompted subscribers to switch to alternative network providers.

While many consumers have expressed support for the NLC’s move, arguing that the price hike is a direct consequence of economic mismanagement and poor service delivery, some telecommunications experts defend the operators’ decision. “We understand the frustration of consumers, but the telecom sector is also facing significant operational challenges, including rising electricity costs, inflation, and the high expense of maintaining and upgrading network infrastructure,” noted a senior executive from one of the affected companies, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Despite this, the consensus among consumer groups is that any price increase should be accompanied by tangible improvements in service quality—a condition that, according to critics, has not been met.

In parallel with the NLC’s call for a boycott, the House of Representatives has also weighed in on the issue. At a plenary session, lawmakers urged the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to suspend the tariff hike until network service quality improves. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugochukwu, an economic analyst, stressed the importance of maintaining stable and affordable telecommunications services. “Telecommunications is a key driver of Nigeria’s digital economy. While the NLC’s action is a strong statement against unfair pricing, it must be balanced with the need to keep communication services stable for businesses and individuals alike,” he said.

This dual pressure from both legislative and labor groups underscores the growing tension between telecom operators’ need to cover rising costs and consumers’ demand for affordable, reliable service. The NLC has warned that if the tariff hike is not reversed by February 29, 2025, more drastic measures could follow, including a potential full-day blackout of telecom services and even legal action against the offending companies.

Beyond the immediate financial implications, the tariff hike has broader economic ramifications. As digital connectivity becomes increasingly crucial for education, business, and government services, any rise in the cost of telecommunications can have a ripple effect across various sectors of the economy. In an era when many Nigerians depend on affordable mobile data to access online learning, remote work, and digital financial services, maintaining low tariffs is seen as essential for fostering economic growth and social inclusion.

The situation has also ignited a vigorous debate on social media, with consumers voicing their displeasure in stark terms. One user lamented, “MTN’s price hikes are making it almost impossible to afford basic internet access,” while another warned that the increased cost could push more Nigerians to abandon digital services altogether. These sentiments reflect a broader public anxiety that rising telecom costs could undermine Nigeria’s progress toward a digitally driven economy.

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As the dispute unfolds, both the government and the NCC are under increasing pressure to mediate a resolution that safeguards consumer interests without compromising the financial viability of the telecom sector. The coming weeks will be critical as stakeholders from across the political spectrum, industry experts, and consumer groups converge on this issue, demanding transparency, accountability, and fairness in telecommunications pricing.

At the time being, the House of Representatives and the NLC remain resolute in their call for an immediate halt to the tariff hike, and many Nigerians are watching closely to see if this united front will compel the telecom operators to reconsider their pricing strategy. With Nigeria’s digital future hanging in the balance, the outcome of this dispute could set a vital precedent for the intersection of consumer rights and corporate profitability in the nation’s rapidly evolving telecommunications landscape. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.