There is a strong indication that if the picketing of its companies by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, continues, telecom company, MTN Nigeria may shut down its network.
This undoubtedly will have untold consequences on the economy as millions of Nigerian subscribers and other telecom service providers connected to its network will be down and out.
The umbrella body of the telecom operators in Nigeria, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators in Nigeria, ALTON has threatened that it would advise its members to consider preventive shut down in order to avoid further damage to network facilities, if nothing is done to checkmate the situation.
In a release signed by the Chairman of the association Engr Gbenga Adebayo, News of the picketing of the offices and disruption of operations of one of our members has been brought to our attention.
ALTON is very concerned about this unfortunate development. Members of ALTON are law-abiding organizations who are committed to best practices in all areas including labour related matters.
As responsible corporate citizens, our members have always provided platforms for their employees to associate freely in accordance with the law and the constitution.
Employees of our members are able to join or form associations and unions if they so desire. However, the practice is that membership of any associations and unions is voluntary.
In line with fundamental human rights regarding freedom of association as guaranteed by the constitution, individuals must not be compelled to join an association or union if they do not choose to do so. Picketing of such nature as reported, leading to injury to persons and damage to properties, creates an unfortunate situation where employees are coerced to join unions and associations without respect for their individual rights of voluntary association.
Damage to any telecom facilities will lead to the disruption of critical national security and economic services which will expose innocent citizens to great danger.
(Vanguard)
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