The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide protest over the recent telecom tariff hike.
The protest is to hold on Tuesday, 4th February, 2025 as part of the union’s efforts to resist what it called an unfair burden on Nigerians.
This was the outcome of a National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting where labour leaders vehemently kicked against the 50% tariff hike approved by the Federal Government.
Telecom operators had asked for 100% increase but the government settled for 50%. But NLC said 50% is too much for Nigerians who are already struggling financially.
NLC Rejects
After an emergency meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the price hike is “insensitive, unjustifiable and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general public”.
He said Nigerians are already struggling with high inflation, rising food prices, high electricity tariff and the effects of recent petrol subsidy removal.
According to Ajaero, imposing a higher telecom tariff in this economic situation is not acceptable.
The union has vowed to resist the increase, saying it will worsen the cost of living crisis. Ajaero said many Nigerians rely on telecom for work, business and daily survival and a tariff hike will add to their financial burden.
Nationwide Mobilisation
As the February 4 protest approaches, NLC has directed all its affiliates across the country to start full mobilisation. Civil society groups and the general public are also invited to join the protest.
The union believes a united front is necessary to challenge policies that are strangulating ordinary Nigerians.
Ajaero said the protest is not just about telecom tariff but also about pushing back against policies that are eroding the purchasing power of Nigerian workers. With the national minimum wage at N70,000, he said most Nigerians cannot afford extra expenses especially when wages have not kept up with inflation.
Besides rejecting the price increase, NLC is calling on the Federal Government, NCC and the National Assembly to engage with labour and other stakeholders.
The union said any adjustment to telecom tariff must take into account the economic situation of the people.
Ajaero said if government fails to do this, NLC will escalate its actions. This could include a nationwide boycott of telecom services and further mass protests.
He said Nigerian workers will not fold their arms and watch while policies that deepen poverty and economic inequality are implemented.
This is as Nigerians are already finding it difficult to afford basic things and a telecom tariff hike will further limit access to communication services.
The protest is expected to be massive as the union continues to resist what it called exploitative economic policies.