Nigeria’s telecommunications sector faces potential disruption as around 800 workers from the Private Telecommunications and Communications Senior Staff Association (PTECSSAN) have initiated a strike, raising concerns about a nationwide communications blackout.
The union, comprising mostly contract workers, warned that millions of subscribers could be affected if their demands are not met. Key issues include the reinstatement of dismissed staff, recognition of the union, better working conditions, and the remittance of membership dues.
The strike began on Monday, with union Secretary-General Okonu Abdullahi stating that the 800 workers involved play crucial roles in maintaining telecom infrastructure, including base stations for companies like IHS and Huawei. “If our engineers do not respond to service outages, subscribers in affected areas will face significant disruptions,” he warned.
Among the union members are field maintenance engineers, transmission engineers, and other essential telecom workers employed by subcontractors for companies such as Huawei Technologies Nigeria Limited, Tylium Nigeria Limited, and CITCC. The complex outsourcing structure has raised concerns about job security and worker welfare.
The strike is the second in recent months, following a similar action in April that was resolved through government intervention. However, the union claims that the issues remain unresolved, with more members joining the current strike. The Ministry of Labour has acknowledged the workers’ concerns and promised swift action to address the situation.
A top official from Huawei, identified as Bruce, denied that any of the company’s employees were part of the strike, stating that all staff were working as usual, though he noted that subcontractors might be affected.
Telecom industry leaders, including the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), have distanced themselves from the union. ALTON’s chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, previously stated that the union was not recognized by the mobile operators, although the union claims it has made multiple attempts to engage with ALTON.
Tony Emoekpere, President of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria, stressed the importance of safeguarding the telecom sector, describing it as a critical infrastructure that must be protected to avoid disruptions. “We cannot afford to compromise the stability of this essential sector,” he said.
