Telecom tariff hike: NLC kicks, vows to hold nationwide protest Feb.4
By Austine Emmanuel and Seun Ibiyemi
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, describing it as “insensitive” and “unjustifiable.”
In a communiqué issued to journalists after an emergency meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) on Wednesday, NLC, through its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, rejected the tariff hike in its entirety.
Citing the “harsh economic realities faced by Nigerians,” the NLC resolved to embark on a nationwide mass rally on February 4, 2025, to express its collective opposition to the tariff increase.
The rally aims to highlight the dangers of imposing such an unfair hike on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000.
Ajaero, expressing disappointment, demanded an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff increase and called on the Federal Government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed adjustment.
The NLC warned that the Labour Union may not have any option should the matter escalate, than to embark on civil actions including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass protests.
He added that the NLC remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies.
“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,” the NLC President stated.
In a statement titled “50% Telecom tariff hike: Another burden too harsh!”, Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, expressed the organisation’s strong disapproval of the Federal Government’s recent decision.
He said, “The NLC expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the Federal Government’s recent approval, through the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, of a 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs.
“Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10 percent of their wages on telecom charges. For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month or 15 percent of their salary — a cost that is unsustainable.”
