NSCDC Warns NLC Against Planned Telecom Shutdown, Deploys Officers Nationwide to Protect Infrastructure Amid Tariff Hike Protest
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a stern warning to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over its planned nationwide shutdown of telecommunication services on March 1 in protest of the recent 50% tariff hike. The agency has deployed operatives to telecom infrastructure sites, citing concerns over national security and economic stability.
The NLC, angered by the tariff increase announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), had called for a boycott of major telecom providers, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily from February 13. The union also vowed to completely shut down telecom operations if the tariff hike was not reversed by the end of February.
However, the NSCDC has strongly opposed the planned action, warning that any disruption to telecommunications services could expose the country to criminal activities. NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi, speaking with The PUNCH on Sunday, confirmed that state commandants had been directed to maintain round-the-clock surveillance at telecom facilities. He added that a nationwide deployment of officers, including undercover operatives, was already underway to protect critical national assets.
Telecom Industry Pushes Back Against NLC’s Protest
Telecom industry groups have also condemned the planned shutdown, describing it as a misguided approach that could harm the sector. The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) criticized the NLC’s decision, stating that it was made without consulting telecom workers who would be directly affected.
In a letter to the NLC, PTECSSAN Secretary-General Abdullahi Okonu argued that the tariff hike was necessary due to rising operational costs, including the removal of fuel subsidies and higher petroleum prices, which have significantly increased expenses for telecom companies.
Similarly, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) urged the NLC to suspend its planned protest. ATCON President Tony Emoekpere emphasized that telecom operators, like other industries, are struggling with broader economic challenges, stating, “This isn’t just a telecom issue—rising costs affect every sector. Banks don’t shut down when interest rates increase. Why should telecoms be different?”
NLC Stands Firm Despite Warnings
Despite pressure from security agencies and industry stakeholders, the NLC has remained defiant. Lagos State NLC Chairperson Funmi Sessi dismissed the NSCDC’s warnings, insisting that workers would not be intimidated.
“No one can threaten us—no one! This is about our commonwealth, our joint heritage. Civil Defence officers are just doing their jobs, but they have no authority to dictate to us. If necessary, we will shut down electricity itself! Who are they to tell us otherwise?” she declared.
She also criticized security agencies for trying to intimidate protesters, adding, “Let them threaten all they want; nothing will stop us. We know the song we sing: how many people will the soldiers kill? Even the police must remember to remain civil. They cannot kill us all!”
NSCDC: “We Will Not Allow Any Action That Threatens National Security”
In response, the NSCDC reiterated its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and warned that any attempt to disrupt telecom services would be met with decisive action. Afolabi stated that intelligence reports had indicated that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums, making it a potential security threat.
“The scars of previous protests that turned violent are still fresh. The NSCDC and other security agencies will not allow criminals to use the NLC protest as cover to loot and vandalize government and corporate assets,” he warned.
He further cautioned NLC leaders to stay away from telecom infrastructure, stressing that officers have been placed on high alert nationwide.
“Dialogue remains the best solution. We hope the NLC will listen to reason and engage the government instead. But make no mistake—anyone found attempting to disrupt telecom services will be dealt with according to the law.”
As tensions rise, the standoff between Labour and security agencies continues, with both sides refusing to back down. Whether the NLC will follow through with its planned shutdown or reach a last-minute compromise remains to be seen.
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