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Telecom operators warn NLC against nationwide protest over industry’s survival

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Telecom operators in Nigeria have issued a strong warning to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), urging the union to reconsider its planned nationwide protest on February 4.

The operators argue that the protest could severely damage an already struggling telecom sector, which is facing multiple challenges, Diaspora digital media (DDM) revailed.

At a town hall meeting in Victoria Island on Saturday, Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria (ALTON), expressed deep concern about the potential impact of the protest.

He compared the telecom sector to a critically ill patient, stressing that any further pressure could push the industry to a point of no return.

Adebayo highlighted the severe difficulties the telecom industry is already grappling with.

He warned that the planned protest could worsen these issues, which would have long-term consequences for the sector.

“The coming week will be crucial, but I trust that ongoing efforts at various levels will prevent a negative outcome,” he said.

“While I cannot disclose everything, I am aware that measures are being taken to maintain stability.

“However, I sincerely hope that no group will force the telecom sector to collapse.

If that happens, we will be on a downward spiral, and recovery may be impossible.”

He went on to discuss the sector’s challenges, explaining that telecom operators had initially requested a 100% tariff increase to cope with rising operational costs.

However, the government had intervened and compromised by suggesting a 50% increase as a more manageable solution.

Adebayo warned that the NLC’s protest could thwart these efforts, leaving the telecom industry in a precarious position.

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Adebayo used a simple analogy to explain the situation: “Think back to COVID-19, when patients in critical condition were given full oxygen tanks to survive.

Now, imagine the telecom sector as a patient needing 100 liters of oxygen. Initially, the government suggested 50 liters — enough to keep the sector alive while allowing time for recovery.

But now, the proposal is to cut it down to just 10 liters. We all know the inevitable result if a person who needs 100 liters only receives 10.”

He further emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating that the 50 liters proposed by the government was already a lifeline that would help the telecom sector survive, recover, and contribute to the broader economy and employment.

However, any reduction would have catastrophic effects, akin to a seriously ill patient being denied life-saving support.

Adebayo also appealed to the NLC and other stakeholders to prioritize the survival of the telecom sector, recognizing its crucial role in Nigeria’s economy and job market.

He urged all parties to work collaboratively to avoid pushing the sector to a breaking point.

“Discussions like these often take different forms, but we must remember that 30 years ago, we were in a similar situation.

We cannot afford to go backward. Our priority should be the survival of the sector, and by extension, the health of the broader economy,” he said.

In his final plea, Adebayo called for cooperation to ensure the telecom sector does not reach a point where recovery is impossible.

He concluded by emphasizing that the telecom industry’s survival was essential not only for its own future but also for the continued economic progress of Nigeria.

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