NLC To Hold Nationwide Protest Against Proposed 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced plans for a nationwide protest against the proposed 50% telecom tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission, set for Feb. 4. This decision was made during the NLC's National Administrative Council meeting on Jan. 29.

Civil Society Organizations have also expressed support for the protest. NLC President Joe Ajaero warned that if the hike is not reversed, it could lead to a nationwide boycott of telecom services.

"After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50% telecom tariff hike which it considers as too harsh for citizens," Ajaero said, Punch reported.

He added, "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."

Ajaero announced that the NLC would hold a nationwide protest on Feb. 4 to oppose the government's decision to increase telecom tariffs. He said that the rally would be a warning about the harmful impact of the tariff hike on a population already struggling with a low minimum wage of N70,000 and rising costs of petrol, food, electricity, and inflation.

He instructed all NLC affiliates and state councils to begin organizing for the protest and encouraged civil society groups to join the efforts.

The Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, and the Take It Back Movement supported the protest against the tariff hike and promised to take part in the rally.

The Federal Government approved a 50% increase, even though telecom operators had asked for a 100% increase. In response, the NLC rejected the hike, calling it unfair, unreasonable, and an attack on Nigerian workers and the public, who are already struggling with worsening economic conditions.

The NLC remains committed to fighting against policies that harm Nigerian workers and citizens, emphasizing that corporate profits should not come before the well-being of the people.