The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, in response to the Federal Government’s approval of a 50 percent increase in telecommunication tariffs. The decision was reached during an ongoing National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting, with the protest aimed at cautioning the government against implementing the hike, which the NLC argues will further exacerbate poverty across the country.
The NLC had earlier rejected the tariff increase on January 22, criticizing the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for endorsing the hike despite the prevailing economic hardship in the country.
In a strongly worded statement titled “50% Telecom Tariff Hike: Another Burden Too Harsh!”, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the move, stating that the increase represents a direct attack on workers’ welfare and prioritizes corporate interests over the well-being of Nigerian citizens.
“This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats,” Ajaero stated.
He emphasized that telecommunication services are essential for daily life, yet workers already allocate about 10 percent of their wages to telecom expenses. With the new increase, a worker earning the N70,000 minimum wage would see their monthly telecom expenditure rise from N7,000 to N10,500, accounting for approximately 15 percent of their salary.
Ajaero also criticized the disparity in government policy, pointing out that while the 50 percent tariff hike was approved within a month, it took nearly a year for the government to approve the recent minimum wage adjustment. He questioned why the government appears more aligned with corporate interests than with those of the citizens it swore to protect.
“We must ask: When will the government stand for the people? When will the National Assembly hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority? When will the common man heave a sigh of relief in Nigeria?” Ajaero queried.
The NLC called on the government, NCC, and the National Assembly to halt the implementation of the hike and engage in a meaningful dialogue to determine a fair and justifiable adjustment. It also warned of possible mass action, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, should the increase remain in place.
“This is a fight for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people,” Ajaero declared, reaffirming the NLC’s commitment to protecting Nigerian workers and the masses from policies that deepen poverty and inequality.
The NLC urged all Nigerians to unite in rejecting the tariff hike and to prepare for collective action, emphasizing that it would not relent until the government prioritizes the needs of its citizens over corporate profits.
