By Ayo Kehinde
The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on Nigerians to boycott MTN, Airtel, Glo, and other telecom services in protest against the implementation of a 50% tariff hike recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission.
The NLC had earlier suspended its planned nationwide protest on February 4 after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government and the NCC to set up a joint committee for reviewing the tariff hike.
However, despite the agreement, telecom operators proceeded with the new tariff implementation on Tuesday.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, the NLC accused telecom operators and the Federal Government of reneging on their commitment.
As part of its response, the NLC directed workers and Nigerians to, “Mobilize and sensitize the public through NLC state councils and affiliate unions.
“Boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, starting Thursday, February 13, until the end of the month.
Suspend data purchases from these telecom providers.”
The congress warned that if the tariff hike is not reversed by February 29, it will embark on a nationwide telecom shutdown from March 1.
“The congress urges civil society groups and all Nigerians to join in resisting exploitative economic policies,” the statement added.
