Nigeria’s telecom industry faces a potential shutdown as about 800 workers from the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association (PTECSSAN) have launched a strike, warning that services could be disrupted if their demands are not met. The union’s grievances include the reinstatement of sacked workers, recognition of the union, improved working conditions, and payment of membership dues.
The strike, which began on Monday, could impact millions of subscribers across the country. PTECSSAN Secretary-General, Okonu Abdullahi, highlighted that the striking workers play critical roles in maintaining infrastructure for major telecom service companies like IHS and Huawei. Without their intervention in managing outages, widespread service disruptions are anticipated.
Telecom operators such as MTN, Globacom, Airtel, and 9mobile typically outsource the management of base stations and fibre infrastructure to servicing companies, which in turn subcontract the work to smaller contractors employing the striking workers. This complex outsourcing system has raised concerns about worker welfare and job security.
Despite previous government interventions, the union claims the issues persist and have escalated with more workers now participating in the industrial action. If the government and companies fail to address their demands, the union warns that it will resort to more drastic measures.
A Huawei representative denied any involvement in the strike, stating that their employees were working as usual, while also acknowledging that subcontracted field workers might be affected.
The Ministry of Labour has assured that steps are being taken to resolve the strike and prevent prolonged disruption of telecom services.
