The Federal Government has deployed security forces to maintain order as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) remains resolute in its planned protest. The development comes amid heightened tensions between labour unions and the government over economic policies affecting workers and businesses.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has reinforced its commitment to protecting critical infrastructure across the country. The agency warned that any individual or group attempting to disrupt public order or damage essential facilities would face legal consequences.
“The NSCDC is committed to safeguarding the lives of Nigerians and property of the government and corporate organizations. We are ready to take decisive actions against any individual or group that embarks on any action that can jeopardise the security architecture of the country,” an official stated.
To prevent disruptions, the NSCDC has placed its personnel on high alert. The agency also urged the labour union to reconsider its protest, stressing that dialogue remains the best solution.
“We still believe that dialogue remains the best solution and we hope that organised labour will listen to the voice of reason and jaw-jaw with the government. We advise organised labour leaders to stay away from base stations and telecom mast locations as NSCDC personnel have been placed on red alert.
“Anybody found wanting will be dealt with according to the stipulated law of the country,” the spokesperson cautioned.
Meanwhile, the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) has voiced its opposition to the NLC’s planned protest. The union’s Secretary-General, Abdullahi Okonu, argued that the labour congress had acted without consulting industry stakeholders.
In a letter to the NLC, PTECSSAN stated, “It is our firm belief that the Congress Leadership has acted in error in taking these decisions without prior consultation with our union that operates in the sector.”
The telecom workers’ union acknowledged concerns about the impact of rising tariffs on consumers but maintained that the increase was necessary due to operational costs. They pointed to the removal of fuel subsidies, which led to higher petroleum prices and significantly raised the cost of maintaining telecom base stations nationwide.
Similarly, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) called on labour leaders to suspend the planned demonstration, noting that no formal engagement had taken place with telecom operators. ATCON president Tony Emoekpere questioned the rationale behind the protest, arguing that economic challenges affected all industries, not just telecommunications.
“This isn’t a labour issue; it’s an industry-wide challenge. Interest rates, for example, fluctuate constantly, yet banks don’t shut down in protest. These economic policies affect all sectors, not just telecoms. So why single out our industry?” Emoekpere stated.
He further noted that while concerns over service quality were valid, businesses could not continue operating at a loss.
“If the goal is better service, let’s have that discussion. But resorting to actions that could disrupt the industry and the economy isn’t the way forward,” he added.
Despite the warnings from security forces and opposition from industry groups, the Lagos State NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, dismissed any threats against the protest.
“No one can threaten us – no one! This is about our commonwealth, our joint heritage. Civil Defence officers are merely working for their pay, but they have no authority to dictate to us. If necessary, we will shut down the electricity itself! Who are they to tell us otherwise?” she declared.
Sessi also criticized security forces for attempting to intimidate workers, saying, “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!”
