By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest against the recent 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs approved by the Federal Government.
The protest is set to take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, following the NLC’s rejection of the tariff hike, which it described as “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace.”
This was contained in a communiqué issued after the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting on Wednesday.
The council condemned the decision of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to approve the hike, which came after telecom operators initially requested a 100 per cent increase.
Addressing journalists after the emergency meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero reaffirmed the union’s opposition to the policy, stating that it would further burden Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship.
“To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, 4 February 2025,” Ajaero announced. “The rally will serve as a warning against the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000. This is a population that has already endured outrageous petrol price hikes, soaring food costs, increased electricity tariffs, and rising inflation.”
He further directed all NLC affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilisation ahead of the protest, urging willing civil society groups to join the movement.
“The Congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy,” he added.
The NLC also demanded an immediate suspension of the 50 per cent tariff hike and called on the Federal Government to engage in dialogue with stakeholders. Ajaero warned that failure to heed this demand could result in more drastic measures, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunications services and a potential withdrawal of labour across the country.
“NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike. It calls on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment in light of the economic realities facing Nigerians,” he stated.
“Should these demands not be met, the NLC will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions, which may involve a nationwide withdrawal of our services to resist policies that deepen poverty and inequality.”
The labour leader reiterated the NLC’s commitment to protecting Nigerian workers from economic exploitation.
“The NLC remains committed to safeguarding the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic measures. We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people. Nigerians must unite and take action to prevent further economic oppression. We must resist any policy that prioritises corporate profits over the well-being of the people.”
As preparations for the protest intensify, all eyes are on the Federal Government and regulatory authorities to see whether they will reconsider their stance or face nationwide demonstrations.
