The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on telecommunication companies to reverse the recent tariff hike until a government-appointed committee completes its review. The Congress is urging the companies to suspend the implementation of the new tariffs until the committee’s work is done.
In a show of solidarity, the NLC is directing Nigerian workers and citizens to boycott the services of MTN, Airtel, and Glo daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM until February 29, 2025. This boycott is aimed at pressuring the telecommunication companies to reverse the tariff hike.
The NLC’s decision was reached at the end of its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State. In a communique signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the Congress directed all workers and citizens to suspend purchasing data from these companies.
The NLC has accused the telecommunication companies of exploiting Nigerian citizens through exorbitant data prices. The Congress is urging all workers and citizens to join the boycott and suspend purchasing data from MTN, Airtel, and Glo until the tariff hike is reversed.
“As a first step in resisting this arbitrary tariff hike, the CWC has directed that, beginning Thursday, February 13, 2025, Nigerian workers and other willing citizens shall boycott the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February 2025.
“All workers and citizens are urged to suspend the purchase of Data from these companies which has also become one of their greatest tools for exploiting Nigerian citizens. “We also demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies. “If the telecommunications companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a total shutdown of their operations nationwide will commence from March 1, 2025.”
The NLC has directed its affiliates to commence immediate sensitization and mobilization of their members and the general public within their jurisdictions. The Congress is urging all Nigerians to join the boycott and demand fair and affordable telecommunication services.
“All NLC Affiliate Unions are requested to mobilize their members across the country to observe electronic silence during the designated hours. “We implore all of our Civil society allies and other interested stakeholders are to join us in making this action effective,” the Congress said.
On the tax reform bills, the NLC said: “The CWC also reviewed the Tax Reform Bills being considered by the 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,” it said.
It added: “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.”
Source : https://thenationonlineng.net/
