The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday declared it would embark on a nationwide protest on February 4 against the proposed 50 per cent telecom tariff hike announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This was disclosed in a communiqué signed by its National President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
The decision was taken at the National Administrative Council meeting of the NLC on Wednesday.
Failure to reverse the hike, according to Ajaero, might result in a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
The federal government granted a 50% increase, but the telecom companies demanded a 100% rise.
In response to the development, the NLC condemned the raise, calling it insensitive, unreasonable, and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general public, who are already suffering from the country’s deteriorating economic situation.
Ajaero said, “After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50 percent telecom tariff hike, which it considers too harsh for citizens. It therefore strongly condemns the Nigeria Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase in telecommunications tariffs.
“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 the policies of the government, which was no fault of theirs.”
The NLC chairman mentioned that the union would embark on a nationwide protest on February 4 to warn against the decision of the government.
Ajaero said, “To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
‘’The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000; a population that has suffered outrageous hikes in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff, and general rising inflation.”
He also directed all NLC affiliates to mobilise their members for the rally.
He said, “All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilisation in preparation for the February 4, 2025, nationwide protest rally. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the preparation.
“The congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy.”
He called for an immediate suspension of the 50 percent tariff hike, calling on the federal government to dialogue with stakeholders.
Ajaero warned that failure to do this might result in a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
He stated, “NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50 percent tariff hike. It calls on the federal government, the Nigeria Communication Commission, 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.
“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 that may involve a nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality.
“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.”
