Telecom Operators Issue Stern Warning: “Do Not Push Us Into Collapse” As NLC Announces Nationwide Protest

The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria (ALTON) has urged the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider its planned nationwide protest set for February 4, warning that it could lead to the collapse of an already struggling telecom sector.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a town hall meeting in Victoria Island on Saturday evening, ALTON’s Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, speaking on behalf of the group’s Chief Executive Officers, stressed that the NLC must avoid becoming the “undertaker” of an industry on the brink of collapse.

Adebayo expressed confidence that the NLC would heed the voice of reason and halt the protest, emphasizing that ongoing discussions at various levels were working to avert an undesirable outcome.

He stated, “The coming week will be pivotal, but I believe the ongoing discussions will prevent any negative consequences. While I can’t disclose everything, efforts are being made to ensure stability.”

He continued: “I sincerely hope no group will push the telecom sector to collapse. If that happens, the consequences will be clear—we could begin a downward spiral, and recovery might be impossible.”

Adebayo recalled that ALTON’s initial request to the government was based on extensive research and reports, which revealed that the sector needs more than the 100% increase initially requested. Despite this, ALTON accepted the 50% increase offered by the government, hoping for further adjustments as market demands grew.

To illustrate the urgency, Adebayo drew an analogy to the COVID-19 pandemic: “When patients needed oxygen, they were given full tanks to survive. Think of the telecom sector as a patient requiring 100 liters of oxygen. The government initially suggested 50 liters—enough to keep us alive and reassess later. Now, there are talks of reducing it further to just 10 liters.”