The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared an all-out battle against the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) over the recent approval of a 50% increase in telecom tariffs. The union announced a nationwide mass rally set for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, vowing to resist what it calls an “unjust and exploitative” policy.
In a strongly worded statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero warned that failure to suspend the tariff hike would lead to escalated actions, including a mass boycott of telecommunication services and a nationwide shutdown. “We will not stand by while policies that deepen poverty and economic hardship are forced upon Nigerians,” he stated.
Government Defends the Telecom Tariff Hike
The NCC, in its defense, claimed that the 50% increase was a compromise, as some network operators had initially requested over 100% increment. The regulator, through its spokesman Reuben Muoka, cited Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, as its legal backing to approve such tariff changes. The Commission assured that the adjustments would remain within the bands set by the 2013 NCC Cost Study and adhere to the 2024 Tariff Simplification Guidelines.
However, the NLC dismissed these justifications, labeling them as “tone-deaf excuses” that fail to consider the plight of ordinary Nigerians who have already endured fuel price hikes, electricity tariff increases, and skyrocketing inflation. “How can they justify such an outrageous increase when people are struggling to afford basic necessities?” the union questioned.
Mass Mobilization Against the Hike
Determined to fight back, the NLC has directed all its affiliates, state councils, and allied civil society groups to fully mobilize for the upcoming protest rally. The union emphasized that this is not just about telecom tariffs but a broader struggle against anti-people policies.
Calling on Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity, the NLC described the tariff hike as an attack on citizens already battling economic hardship. “We must resist any policy that prioritizes corporate profits over the well-being of the people,” it stated.
With nationwide protests underway, the NLC insists the 50% telecom tariff hike must be reversed immediately.
