The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is taking a strong stance against the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a communique released after an emergency meeting, the NLC condemned the hike, calling it “insensitive and unjustifiable.”
The union argues that this move places an additional financial burden on Nigerian workers, who are already grappling with inflation, high food prices, rising electricity tariffs, and the lingering effects of petrol subsidy removal.
The NLC’s President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, expressed strong opposition, saying, “NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50% Telecom Tariff Hike which it considers as too harsh for citizens.”
The union’s main concern is the impact on Nigerian workers earning the minimum wage of ₦70,000, who the NLC says “cannot afford the increase, which it described as a ‘direct assault’ on the people.”
The NLC also made clear its dissatisfaction with the government’s lack of action after its initial request for dialogue, stating, “Despite its initial call for dialogue, the government has yet to address the union’s concerns, which has prompted the latest decision to mobilize for mass action.”
In the same communique, the NLC called for a nationwide protest rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to “express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike.”
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It further stressed that the protest would serve as a warning “on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only ₦70,000; a population that has suffered outrageous hike in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff and general rising inflation.”
The NLC also directed all affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilization, saying, “All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilization in preparation for the February 4, 2025, nationwide protest rally. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the preparation.”
In a stern warning, the NLC declared that if the government fails to reverse the tariff hike, it may escalate its actions, including a potential nationwide boycott of telecommunications services:
“Should these not be heeded, the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality.”
The NLC’s position is clear: they are demanding the immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike and calling on the Federal Government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue.
“NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike. It calls on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment within the context of the economic realities facing Nigerians.”
This stance shows a growing tension between the NLC, the government, and the general public, as the union pushes for action to reverse policies it views as worsening the economic strain on ordinary citizens.