NSCDC Warns NLC Against Planned Telecom Shutdown Over Tariff Hike
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against its planned shutdown of telecommunication services on March 1 in protest of the recent 50% tariff increase.
Speaking on Sunday, NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi stated that the agency has deployed operatives to secure telecom infrastructure and prevent any illegal activities during the protest. He emphasized that disrupting telecommunications could pose significant risks to national security and public safety.
The NLC had threatened to shut down telecom operations if the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) does not reverse the tariff hike by the end of February. The union also urged Nigerians to boycott major telecom providers—MTN, Airtel, and Glo—daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. starting February 13.
In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the union accused telecom operators of breaching public trust by raising tariffs before a government-led review panel concluded its deliberations. The NLC also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.
However, the NSCDC has called for dialogue, warning that any attempt to disrupt telecom services could be exploited by criminals. Afolabi revealed that the agency has ordered round-the-clock surveillance at telecom facilities nationwide and deployed both uniformed and undercover operatives to protect critical infrastructure.
“The NSCDC will not allow any action that could jeopardize national security under the guise of protest,” Afolabi said. He added that intelligence reports indicate the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums to vandalize and loot public and private assets.
The agency stressed that while peaceful protests are legal, previous demonstrations that turned violent remain a concern. It warned that anyone found engaging in illegal activities during the protest would face legal consequences.
The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria also criticized the NLC’s planned actions, arguing that such moves are misguided and could harm the industry.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the nation’s critical infrastructure and urged the NLC to pursue dialogue with the government instead of actions that could compromise public safety and economic stability.
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