The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against its planned March 1 shutdown of telecommunication services.
The NLC’s move is in response to the recent 50% tariff hike implemented by telecommunications companies.
According to Babawale Afolabi, spokesman for the NSCDC, the agency has deployed operatives to protect base stations and prevent any illegal actions by protesters.
The NSCDC is concerned that the NLC’s actions could pose risks to national security and public safety .
The NLC had directed Nigerians to boycott the services of major telecom providers, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, daily between 11 am and 2 pm, starting February 13.
The union accused telecom operators of breaching public trust by implementing the tariff hike before the conclusion of a review panel’s deliberations.
However, the NSCDC has urged the NLC to reconsider its planned protest, warning that any disruption to telecom services could expose the country to criminal activities and compromise national security.
The corps has placed its personnel on high alert and warned that anyone found engaging in illegal activities during the protest will be dealt with according to the law.u
Other stakeholders, including the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, have also opposed the NLC’s planned protest, labelling it as misguided and potentially damaging to the industry.
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