The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a stern warning to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over its proposed nationwide shutdown of telecommunications services in response to the recent 50% tariff hike. The NSCDC announced on Sunday that it had deployed operatives to telecom base stations to prevent any unlawful actions by protesters.
The shutdown, planned for March 1, was announced by the NLC following the tariff hike introduced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The NLC also 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. In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the union accused telecom operators of breaching public trust by implementing the hike before a 10-man review panel had completed its deliberations.
The NSCDC, which is tasked with safeguarding critical national infrastructure, including telecommunications, expressed concerns that the planned action could pose risks to national security. Babawale Afolabi, NSCDC spokesperson, explained that state commandants have been instructed to maintain 24-hour surveillance at telecom facilities nationwide. He also warned that any disruptions could lead to vandalism and criminal activity, which would compromise public safety and national security.
“Available intelligence suggests that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums, which is why we are on high alert,” Afolabi stated. He urged the NLC to reconsider its position and prioritize dialogue over confrontation, warning that security agencies would not tolerate any actions that threaten the nation’s stability.
Despite the NSCDC’s warnings, the NLC remains adamant. Lagos State NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, dismissed the warnings, asserting that the union would not be intimidated. “No one can threaten us! This is about our collective rights. If necessary, we will shut down electricity itself. They cannot stop us!” she declared.
Meanwhile, industry stakeholders have criticized the NLC’s planned protest. The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) described the move as misguided. In a statement, PTECSSAN Secretary-General Abdullahi Okonu argued that the NLC failed to consult the union before making its decision.
PTECSSAN emphasized that the tariff increase was necessary due to rising operational costs, citing the removal of fuel subsidies and subsequent hikes in petroleum prices as key contributors to increased costs for maintaining telecom infrastructure.
Similarly, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) urged labor unions to suspend their planned action, arguing that the increase was part of broader economic challenges. ATCON President Tony Emoekpere criticized the boycott and shutdown plans, stating, “This isn’t a labor issue; it’s an industry-wide challenge. Expecting businesses to operate at a loss is unsustainable.”
Emoekpere acknowledged the public’s concerns about service quality but emphasized that dialogue, not disruptive actions, was the path to addressing these issues.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national infrastructure, warning that any individuals or groups found engaging in unlawful activities during the protests would face legal consequences. Afolabi added, “We still believe dialogue is the best solution, and we hope the NLC will reconsider. Organized labor leaders should avoid telecom facilities as our personnel are on high alert.”
While the labor union continues to push its demands, the government and industry stakeholders call for a more constructive approach to resolve the dispute, highlighting the potential risks of disruption to national security and economic stability.
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