50% Increase In Telecoms Tariffs: NLC Declares Nationwide Protest
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), rose from its National Administrative Council (NAC) on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, and declared a nationwide protest against the federal government’s planned 50% increase in telecom tariffs.
The umbrella body for trade unions in the country said the nationwide demonstration against the telecom tariff would commence on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 as part of the union’s mobilization efforts to resist an “unjust and unbearable burden” on Nigerians.
The NLC said that with the hurried increase in telecoms tariffs, it was clear that the government seems more interested in protecting corporate profits than prioritizing the welfare of its citizens.
The National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting of the NLC also resolved to send a strong message to the government against policies that could further deepen the economic hardship faced by millions.
The NLC had on January 22, rejected the proposed 50% tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for Telecom operators in the country.
A statement titled; “50% Telecom Tariff Hike: Another Burden Too Harsh!” the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, condemned the move, stressing that it was a betrayal of Nigerians in favour of corporate interests.
Ajaero particularly criticized the timing of the decision, saying that Nigerian workers and the general public are already struggling under severe economic hardship, stressing that the average Nigerian worker spends around 10% of their salary on telecom services.
According to Ajaero; “With the new hike, this figure could rise to 15%—an unsustainable cost for many.
“It is shocking that the government swiftly approved a 50% tariff increase for telecom companies within a month, yet took nearly a year to approve the new minimum wage for workers.
“This disparity highlights a troubling reality—the government seems more interested in protecting corporate profits than prioritizing the welfare of its citizens,” Ajaero stressed.
The NLC also questioned when the National Assembly would step in to hold the Executive arm of government accountable for policies that undermine the well-being of the majority and called on the federal legislature to urgently intervene and halt the implementation of the tariff hike to allow for proper negotiations that consider the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens.
Ajaero also hinted at possible mass action beyond the February 4 protest that would include a nationwide boycott of telecom services, if the government fails to reverse the decision.
In the words of Ajaero; “This is a fight for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people. The NLC remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses.
“We will not allow policies that deepen poverty and inequality to stand unchallenged,” he said.
