The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has rejected the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) proposal to boycott telecom services as a protest against the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs.
Speaking on Thursday, NATCOMS President Adeolu Ogunbanjo criticized the NLC’s approach, labeling it counterproductive and detrimental to investor confidence. He emphasized that resolving grievances through the courts remains the most appropriate and civil course of action.
“We are not backing the NLC at all. It will send wrong signals to investors. These are private businesses, and President Bola Tinubu is trying hard to woo investors. So we can’t support that rascality,” Ogunbanjo stated.
The NLC, led by Joe Ajaero, had earlier called for a nationwide telecom boycott in response to the tariff hike, arguing that the increase would exacerbate poverty amid Nigeria’s rising inflation.
The Nigerian Communications Commission announced the 50% tariff hike on Monday, sparking widespread criticism across the country. In defense, telecom operators under the Association of Licenced Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) argued that the hike was necessary to sustain the industry and improve service quality.
Gbenga Adebayo, ALTON Chairman, stressed that the adjustment was critical to averting a sector collapse and ensuring continued investment. Similarly, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, attributed the hike to global inflationary pressures.
Despite public outcry, NATCOMS maintains its stance to challenge the federal government’s decision in court, opposing any industrial action by the NLC.
