Security Agency Opposes NLC’s Planned Action
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has issued a strong warning to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over its planned shutdown of telecommunication services on March 1 in protest of the recent 50% tariff increase.
Similarly, the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria have criticized the NLC’s proposed boycott and shutdown, arguing that such measures could harm the industry and disrupt essential services.
NSCDC Deploys Operatives to Protect Telecom Infrastructure
NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, revealed in an interview with The PUNCH on Sunday that operatives had been deployed to telecom base stations across the country. The agency, responsible for safeguarding critical national infrastructure, expressed concerns that the NLC’s action could pose risks to national security and public safety.
According to Afolabi, the NSCDC will not allow any unlawful interference with telecom services, emphasizing that telecommunications play a crucial role in security operations.
NLC’s Protest Plan and Justification
The NLC announced its decision to shut down telecom operations nationwide if the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) does not reverse the tariff increase by the end of February. The union urged Nigerians to boycott major telecom providers, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, starting from February 13 through the end of the month.
In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the union accused telecom companies of breaching public trust by implementing the tariff hike before the conclusion of a 10-man review panel’s deliberations. The NLC also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation, arguing that the increase was a betrayal of public confidence.
NSCDC Raises Concerns Over National Security
The NSCDC urged the NLC to reconsider its planned shutdown, warning that disrupting telecom services could expose the country to criminal activities and security threats.
Afolabi disclosed that state commandants had been instructed to maintain constant surveillance at telecom sites. He added that nationwide deployment of officers, including undercover operatives, was underway to safeguard these critical assets.
“The NSCDC commandant-general has directed state commandants to maintain round-the-clock surveillance at telecom masts,” he stated. “Additionally, there will be a nationwide deployment of officers and intelligence operatives to protect government and corporate infrastructure from potential vandalism during the protest.”
Fears of Protest Hijack by Hoodlums
Citing intelligence reports, the NSCDC warned that hoodlums could hijack the protest to perpetrate violence, looting, and vandalism. Afolabi emphasized that the security agency would not allow any disruption that could endanger national stability.
“Credible intelligence suggests that the planned protest will be taken over by hoodlums. That is why the NSCDC is actively monitoring the situation,” he said.
NSCDC Calls for Dialogue Over Tariff Dispute
The NSCDC urged the NLC to seek dialogue rather than disruptive actions. Under the leadership of Commandant-General Dr. Ahmed Audi, the agency appealed to the NLC to reconsider its protest plans.
“While peaceful protests are legal, past incidents have shown the risks involved. The NSCDC and other security agencies will not allow miscreants to exploit the situation to damage public and private assets,” Afolabi added.
He stressed that national security, economic stability, and public safety must remain top priorities.
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