T he Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a stern warning to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against its planned nationwide shutdown of telecommunication services on March 1, 2025. The NLC is protesting the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs, which it argues is unjust and premature.
Security operatives have been deployed to base stations across the country to prevent any disruptions, according to NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi. The agency, responsible for protecting critical national infrastructure, including telecom facilities, expressed concerns over the potential security risks posed by the NLC’s planned action.
Labour's Stand Against Tariff Hike
The NLC, in a communiqué signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, accused telecom operators of breaching public trust by implementing the tariff hike before the completion of a 10-man review panel’s deliberations. The union also criticized the government for failing to shield citizens from corporate exploitation.
To push back against the tariff increase, the NLC has directed Nigerians to boycott telecom services from major providers, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, daily between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. throughout February. It has also vowed to shut down telecom operations nationwide if the tariffs are not reversed by month-end.
Security Agencies on High Alert
In response, the NSCDC has vowed to prevent any disruptions, warning that telecom infrastructure is critical to national security. Afolabi stated that state commandants had been instructed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance at telecom facilities and deploy both uniformed and undercover officers to prevent vandalism and criminal activities.
“Already, the NSCDC commandant-general has directed state commandants to maintain 24-hour surveillance on all telecom masts in their locations,” Afolabi said. “There will be a nationwide massive deployment of officers, including intelligence operatives, to protect these critical national assets.”
Citing previous protests that turned violent, the NSCDC said it would take decisive legal action against anyone found engaging in activities that threaten public safety. The agency also urged the NLC to resolve its grievances through dialogue rather than disruptive protests.
Telecom Unions and Operators Push Back
Industry stakeholders, including the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), have also opposed the planned NLC action.
PTECSSAN Secretary-General Abdullahi Okonu faulted the NLC for making decisions without consulting telecom sector workers. In a letter to the NLC, the union argued that the tariff increase was necessary to sustain the industry amid rising operational costs, including the impact of fuel subsidy removal on maintaining telecom base stations.
ATCON President Tony Emoekpere also criticized the planned boycott and shutdown, stating that economic policies affect all industries, not just telecommunications. “This isn’t a labour issue; it’s an industry-wide challenge. Interest rates fluctuate, yet banks don’t shut down in protest,” Emoekpere said. “If the goal is better service, let’s discuss solutions, but crippling the industry isn’t the way forward.”
NLC Vows to Continue Protest
Despite the warnings, NLC leaders remain defiant. Lagos State NLC Chairperson Funmi Sessi dismissed the threats from security agencies, insisting that Labour would not be intimidated.
“No one can threaten us—no one! This is about our commonwealth, our joint heritage,” Sessi declared. “Civil Defence officers are merely working for their pay, but they have no authority to dictate to us. If necessary, we will shut down electricity itself! Who are they to tell us otherwise?”
She further accused security forces of attempting to suppress workers' rights, warning that any crackdown on protests would be met with stronger resistance.
Path to Resolution
With both sides refusing to back down, tensions remain high. While the NLC insists on pushing forward with its planned shutdown, the government and industry leaders are calling for dialogue to resolve the dispute without disrupting essential services. Whether negotiations will lead to a compromise remains to be seen in the coming weeks.
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