The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says its members will embark on a nationwide protest on February 4 to kick against the 50 percent telecommunications tariff increase.
On January 20, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granted approval to telcos for a 50 percent tariff hike.
Joe Ajaero, president of NLC, criticised the federal government for approving the hike in tariffs and described it as a “clear assault” on Nigerian workers’ welfare.
In a statement on Wednesday, the labour body said the federal government should immediately suspend the increase in the tariff.
According to Channels TV, Ajaero said the protest would serve as “a warning of the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population”.
The congress directed its affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilisation in preparation for the nationwide protest, calling on willing civil society allies to also join the preparation.
“It therefore strongly condemns the Nigeria Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase in telecommunications tariffs,” the statement reads.
“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by Policies of government which was no fault of theirs.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies.
“We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people.
“Nigerian workers and citizens 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.”
