By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a boycott of the three major telecom networks—MTN, Airtel, and Glo—demanding that Nigerians refrain from using their services between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM daily until the end of February 2025. This move follows a controversial 200% price hike by MTN for its 15GB digital bundle plan, prompting an outcry among customers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, at the end of its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, the NLC expressed strong discontent with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for approving a 50% tariff increase despite widespread objections. The NLC also criticized telecom companies for implementing the tariff hike, accusing them of exploiting Nigerian consumers.
“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 demand the repatriation of all funds siphoned out of the country by these companies,” said Joe Ajaero, NLC President. “If the telecom companies fail to revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a nationwide shutdown of their operations will commence from March 1, 2025.”
The CWC’s communique urged workers, civil society groups, and the general public to join in the boycott and electronic silence campaign. “All NLC state councils are directed to commence immediate sensitisation and mobilisation,” the statement read. “We implore all of our civil society allies and other interested stakeholders to join us in making this action effective.”
In response to the backlash, MTN issued a public apology for the abrupt price increase. The company acknowledged its mistake and assured customers of better service moving forward. MTN’s apology, posted on Instagram, read:
“To our 15GB digital bundle lovers, You dey vex. We know. We know how upsetting it must have been to suddenly wake up to a 200% increase on your favourite digital bundle. We could share several reasons, and provide explanations, but omo, all that one na story. We don cast. We get it and admit it. Let’s just say na mistake.”
MTN appealed to customers for forgiveness, especially during the Valentine’s season: “In this love season, don’t stay angry with us. Please forgive and forget. You matter die, and we will never stop showing you how much.”