The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has rejected the planned nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the recently approved 50% increase in telecom tariff.
In a letter addressed to the NLC leadership, PTECSSAN argued that the tariff hike, though painful, is necessary to prevent the imminent collapse of the sector, which could have far-reaching consequences for the economy.
The NLC had earlier rejected the tariff increase, describing it as an additional burden on Nigerians already grappling with rising costs of living.
The labour union directed its affiliate unions to mobilize members for a protest scheduled for February 7, 2025.
However, PTECSSAN, which represents workers in the telecom sector, expressed disappointment that the NLC took the decision without consulting it, despite its direct involvement in the industry.
In the letter signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Okonu Abdullahi, PTECSSAN highlighted the severe challenges facing the telecom sector, including skyrocketing operational costs driven by the removal of fuel subsidies, rising prices of diesel (Automated Gas Oil), and increased electricity tariffs.
The union also expressed concern over the welfare of telecom workers, noting that while public sector and other private sector workers have benefited from salary increases due to the new minimum wage law, telecom workers have been left behind. According to PTECSSAN, the inability of telecom operators to meet rising operational costs has made it difficult for them to review workers’ salaries, leaving employees vulnerable to potential job losses.
“If a situation like this persists, what employers resort to is the termination of employment of workers. We are sure that you and the Congress leadership will not be happy to see this happen, as we will not,” the letter stated.
PTECSSAN urged the NLC to reconsider its stance on the planned protest, emphasizing that the tariff increase is a necessary measure to sustain the telecom sector.
The union appealed for understanding, noting that the hike was approved after extensive deliberations and consultations with stakeholders, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“We plead with the leadership of the Congress to rescind the decision to embark on any demonstration on this matter, as this is the only way out, as long as all other factors remain unchanged, to prevent the collapse of the sector,” the letter read.
The NCC had on January 20 announced that it had approved a 50% tariff adjustment for telecom operators, citing rising operational costs and the need to sustain the industry.