The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) issued a stern warning on Sunday against the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) proposed shutdown of telecommunications services scheduled for March 1. The NLC’s action is in response to a 50% tariff hike imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The NSCDC’s spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, emphasized that the agency has deployed officers to telecommunications base stations across the country to prevent illegal actions by protesters. The NSCDC, tasked with safeguarding critical national infrastructure, expressed concerns over the potential risks of disrupting telecom services, which could expose the country to criminal activities and compromise national security.
The NLC had announced its intention to boycott services from major telecom providers, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, between 11 am and 2 pm daily throughout February as a protest against the tariff hike. The union’s leadership, led by President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, criticized telecom operators for implementing the increase before a review panel’s deliberations were completed. The NLC also accused the government of failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.
Afolabi made it clear that the NSCDC will not allow any action that could undermine the security of the nation. He revealed that state commandants have been instructed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance of telecom facilities, and the corps is deploying officers, including undercover operatives, to ensure the protection of these infrastructures.
“We will not fold our arms and allow actions that jeopardize the nation’s security and economic stability,” Afolabi warned. He further highlighted credible intelligence indicating that the planned protest could be hijacked by hoodlums, leading to vandalism and other criminal activities.
The NSCDC called for dialogue as the preferred solution and urged the NLC to reconsider its stance, noting that past protests have often turned violent. The agency appealed to the NLC to abandon its plan to shut down telecom services, stressing the need for national stability and safety.
Telecom Workers Criticize NLC’s Approach
The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) have both voiced opposition to the NLC’s planned boycott. PTECSSAN Secretary-General Abdullahi Okonu expressed disappointment over the NLC’s decision, claiming the protest was initiated without consulting the workers directly affected by the tariff hike.
In a letter to the NLC, PTECSSAN emphasized that the telecom sector is facing significant operational challenges, including rising costs due to the removal of the fuel subsidy, which has increased the cost of maintaining telecom base stations. The union argued that the tariff increase is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the telecom industry.
ATCON President Tony Emoekpere also criticized the NLC’s decision, noting that the tariff hike is an industry-wide issue, not just a labor dispute. He compared the situation to fluctuations in interest rates faced by other sectors, like banking, which do not resort to shutdowns. Emoekpere emphasized that the focus should be on improving services rather than disrupting the telecom industry, which is essential for national communication and the economy.
NLC Leader Rejects NSCDC’s Threats
In contrast, the Lagos State NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, rejected the NSCDC’s warnings, declaring that the labor union would not be intimidated. “No one can threaten us,” Sessi declared, asserting that the protest was about protecting the public’s interest. She further criticized the security forces, accusing them of trying to intimidate workers, and vowed that the NLC would push ahead with its actions despite the threats.
Sessi’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among labor unions who view the tariff hike as a violation of public trust and an unfair burden on consumers, particularly in light of Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges.
