Telecom Tariff Hike: FG Tightens Security as NLC Insists on Protest

The Nigerian government has deployed security personnel to safeguard telecom infrastructure as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) remains resolute in its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) issued a stern warning on Sunday, urging the NLC to reconsider its proposed March 1 shutdown of telecom services. NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi stated that operatives had already been stationed at telecom base stations to prevent any unlawful actions by protesters. He emphasized that any disruption to telecommunications services could pose significant risks to national security and public safety.

The NLC, however, has maintained its stance, demanding the immediate reversal of the tariff hike imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The union called on Nigerians to boycott major telecom providers, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, daily between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. throughout February as a prelude to further action.

In a communiqué signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, the NLC accused telecom operators of breaching public trust by implementing the tariff hike before the completion of a 10-member review panel’s deliberations. The union also criticized the federal government for failing to shield citizens from corporate exploitation, arguing that the tariff increase betrayed prior agreements.

The NSCDC has intensified security measures, with state commandants instructed to conduct continuous surveillance around telecom facilities. Afolabi disclosed that officers, including undercover operatives, had been deployed nationwide to prevent criminal activities that could arise during the planned protests. He warned that the NSCDC would take decisive legal action against any individuals or groups attempting to compromise national security under the guise of protests.

Security agencies further cited intelligence reports suggesting that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums, prompting heightened vigilance. Afolabi reiterated that while peaceful protests are permitted by law, prior incidents of protests turning violent necessitate caution.

The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) also voiced opposition to the NLC’s planned shutdown, describing it as misguided. PTECSSAN Secretary-General Abdullahi Okonu argued that the tariff increase was essential to sustain the industry amid rising operational costs, including higher fuel prices following the removal of subsidies. In a letter to the NLC, the union asserted that the labour congress acted “in error” by making decisions without consulting telecommunications sector workers.

Similarly, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) urged the NLC to reconsider its planned protest, emphasizing that no formal consultations had been held with telecom operators. ATCON President Tony Emoekpere criticized the proposed telecom service boycott, stating that broader economic challenges, such as fluctuating interest rates, impact multiple sectors, yet do not lead to similar shutdowns.

Lagos State NLC Chairperson Funmi Sessi dismissed the warnings from security agencies, asserting that the union would not be intimidated. She declared that workers remained committed to resisting exploitative policies and would not hesitate to escalate actions if necessary.

With tensions rising, the standoff between the federal government, telecom operators, and labour unions continues to escalate. As the March 1 deadline approaches, the potential for nationwide disruptions remains high, with both sides unwilling to back down.