SaharaReporters on Tuesday detailed how MTN Nigeria, one of the country’s prominent telecommunications providers, has significantly increased its data tariffs.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared that its members and other concerned citizens will boycott telecommunications services over the recent hike in data charges.
SaharaReporters on Tuesday detailed how MTN Nigeria, one of the country’s prominent telecommunications providers, has significantly increased its data tariffs.
Observations revealed that MTN has raised the cost of data bundles by approximately 200%.
Under the new pricing structure, the 15GB data bundle, which was previously priced at N2,000, now costs N6,000. Likewise, the 1.5TB plan has risen from N150,000 to N240,000.
Other plans affected include the 100GB bundle, now priced at N25,000 for 90GB, up from the previous N20,000 for 100GB. Additionally, the 600GB bundle has increased from N75,000 to N120,000 for 480GB.
A press statement provided to SaharaReporters on Wednesday announced that the Nigeria Labour Congress Central Working Committee (CWC) convened in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, to discuss the recent tariff hike, among other pressing national issues.
The committee condemned the hike, describing it as a “betrayal of trust” and a “direct slap on the government and its institutions.”
The NLC, therefore, directed Nigerian workers and citizens to boycott the services of MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM until the end of February 2025.
The labour union has also urged citizens to suspend the purchase of data from these companies and demanded the repatriation of all funds taken out of the country by these companies.
The statement reads: “The CWC received with grave concern the news that telecommunications companies have commenced the implementation of a 50% tariff hike today, despite an earlier agreement reached with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“It was recalled that a 10-man committee had been constituted to deliberate on the matter within two weeks and report back before any final decision would be made on the new telecom tariff structure.
“The CWC strongly condemns this action by the telecommunications companies, describing it as a betrayal of trust, an affront to the principles of negotiation, and a direct slap on the government and its institutions and a disdain for Nigerian people.
“CWC-in-session believes that this is a further demonstration of Regulatory capture and impotence in the midst of corporate onslaught and the continuing abandonment of workers and masses to corporate fat cats by the government.
“This unwarranted and premature tariff hike demands an immediate response from our collective resolve since government clearly favours the rich against the people.
“The CWC demands an immediate reversal of the tariff hike, which took effect today, and insists that the companies revert to the previous tariff until the committee completes its deliberations and reaches a conclusive agreement.
“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.
“All NLC State Councils are directed to commence immediate sensitization and mobilization of their members and the general public within their jurisdictions.”
“All NLC Affiliate Unions are requested to mobilize their members across the country to observe electronic silence during the designated hours,” it adds.
SAHARA REPORTERS
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