PTECSSAN Rejects NLC’s Planned Protest Against Telecom Tariff Hike
The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has rejected the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)’s planned nationwide protest against the recently approved 50% increase in telecom tariffs, warning that such action could jeopardize the stability of the telecom sector.
In a letter addressed to the NLC leadership, PTECSSAN acknowledged that while the tariff hike would be painful for Nigerians, it was a necessary step to prevent the collapse of the telecom industry.
The union stressed that the sector is grappling with severe operational challenges, including rising fuel costs, currency depreciation, and increased electricity tariffs, all of which threaten its sustainability.
Highlighting the financial burden on telecom operators, PTECSSAN noted that the removal of fuel subsidies and the soaring prices of diesel and petrol had significantly increased operational expenses.
According to the union, the cost of diesel, which powers telecom base stations, surged from ₦842.25 in May 2023 to an average of ₦1,441.28 as of January 2025. Similarly, petrol prices have skyrocketed from ₦198 to over ₦1,030 per liter within the same period, making field operations more expensive.
Furthermore, the depreciation of the naira has exacerbated the crisis. The union revealed that the exchange rate had weakened from ₦460/$1 in May 2023 to about ₦1,700/$1, making it increasingly difficult for telecom operators to import and maintain critical infrastructure.
PTECSSAN warned that without a tariff adjustment, telecom operators might resort to service shedding, leading to widespread network disruptions that could impact critical sectors such as finance, security, and emergency services.
The union also raised concerns about the welfare of telecom workers, stating that salary reviews have stalled due to rising operational costs. Unlike their counterparts in the public and other private sectors, telecom employees have not benefited from wage increases, making them vulnerable to 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, signed by PTECSSAN General Secretary Comrade Okonu Abdullahi, stated.
Expressing disappointment over the NLC’s decision to mobilize for protests on February 7, 2025, PTECSSAN criticized the lack of consultation with stakeholders in the telecom industry. The union argued that the tariff hike was not imposed arbitrarily but was approved after extensive deliberations with government authorities, 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.
PTECSSAN urged the NLC to reconsider its stance and engage in constructive dialogue rather than embarking on protests, emphasizing that safeguarding the telecom sector was crucial for Nigeria’s economy and national security.
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