The telecommunications sector in Nigeria is facing a potential shutdown due to a strike by approximately 800 workers affiliated with the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association. This strike has the potential to disrupt services nationwide, affecting millions of subscribers with a risk of communication blackout.
The union, which consists mainly of contract staff, has listed various demands, including the reinstatement of sacked workers, recognition of the union, improved working conditions, and the remittance of membership dues. Failure to address these demands could lead to significant disruptions in telecom operations.
The striking workers, who play crucial roles in managing infrastructure like base stations for companies such as IHS and Huawei, have been instructed not to respond to any service outages, which could impact subscribers in affected areas. The strike encompasses various roles within telecom service companies, including field maintenance engineers, transmission engineers, customer service engineers, and fiber engineers.
The strike involves companies like Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited, Tylium Nigeria Limited, Specific Tools & Techniques, Concept Point Nigeria Limited (CPNL), Tremblem Nigeria Limited (TNL), and JUSPARTNER. These companies often outsource the management of base stations and fiber infrastructure to smaller contractors who employ the striking workers.
Previous strikes by the telecom union have been resolved through intervention by the Ministry of Labour; however, the current situation has escalated due to the increased number of participants. The union has expressed frustration over the lack of engagement from the government and companies in addressing their grievances.
Officials from the Ministry of Labour have acknowledged the concerns of the workers and expressed a commitment to prompt resolution. Despite denials from a Huawei official regarding their team’s participation in the strike, the impact on field workers, who are part of subcontracting teams, remains a concern.
The Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria and the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria stated that they are not affiliated with the union but emphasized the importance of safeguarding the telecom sector as a critical infrastructure for the country. They highlighted the need to protect the stability and functionality of the telecommunications industry to avoid compromising essential services.