The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against its planned March 1 shutdown of telecommunication services in protest of the recent 50% tariff hike.

The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) also opposed the NLC’s proposed actions, arguing that disrupting telecom services could harm the industry and national security.

NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi told the media on Sunday that operatives had been deployed to telecom base stations to prevent any illegal actions by protesters.

NSCDC: Protest Could Threaten National Security

The NSCDC, responsible for protecting critical national infrastructure, expressed concerns that disrupting telecommunications could expose the country to criminal activities and security risks.

The NLC has vowed to shut down telecom operations across Nigeria if the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) does not reverse the tariff increase by February 29. The union has also urged Nigerians to boycott major telecom providers, including MTN, Airtel, and Glo, between 11 AM and 2 PM daily throughout February.

However, the NSCDC warned against the move, stressing that any attempt to disrupt telecom operations would not be tolerated.

“The Commandant-General has directed state commandants to maintain round-the-clock surveillance at telecom facilities. There will be a nationwide deployment of officers, including undercover operatives, to protect critical infrastructure from possible vandalism and criminal activities.”

Afolabi added that credible intelligence indicated that the protest could be hijacked by hoodlums, posing a threat to public safety.

Calls for Dialogue Amid Rising Tensions

The NSCDC urged the NLC to reconsider its stance, emphasizing that while peaceful protests are allowed, past experiences show that such actions can spiral into violence and destruction.

“We appeal to the NLC to shelve their planned protest and seek dialogue. The NSCDC will not fold its arms and allow any action that could compromise national security, economic stability, and public safety.”

The corps placed its personnel on high alert and warned that anyone caught vandalizing telecom infrastructure would face legal consequences.

Telecom Unions Criticize NLC’s Approach

The Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PTECSSAN) condemned the NLC’s planned protest, arguing that the tariff increase was necessary to prevent the collapse of the telecom industry.

In a letter to the NLC, PTECSSAN criticized the union for failing to consult telecom workers before making its decision.

“The Congress Leadership has acted in error by not consulting our union, which operates in the sector. If they had reached out, they would have understood the economic realities forcing this tariff increase.”

PTECSSAN pointed to rising operational costs, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the increase in petroleum prices, which have made telecom infrastructure maintenance more expensive.

Similarly, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) urged the NLC to suspend its planned shutdown, stating that there had been no prior discussions with telecom operators before the protest was announced.

ATCON President Tony Emoekpere criticized the NLC’s call to boycott telecom services, warning that such actions could disrupt essential services and harm millions of Nigerians.

With tensions rising, security forces remain on high alert, and stakeholders continue to push for dialogue as a solution to the dispute.