Breaking: NLC Declares Nationwide Protest (see why)

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, to oppose the proposed 50% hike in telecom tariffs.

Plateau  News reports that the decision was finalized during the ongoing National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting.

The demonstration aims to convey a clear message that Nigerian workers will not accept this policy, which is expected to deepen poverty in the country.

On January 22, the NLC rejected the Federal Government’s approval of the tariff increase through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The union described the move as an unfair burden on citizens already struggling with economic difficulties.

In a statement titled “50% Telecom Tariff Hike: Another Burden Too Harsh,” NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed strong disapproval of the government’s decision.

“The NLC vehemently condemns the Federal Government’s recent approval, through the NCC, of a 50% increase in telecom tariffs,” Ajaero stated. “At a time when Nigerian workers and citizens face unprecedented economic challenges, this decision is a blatant disregard for their welfare and a clear shift in favor of corporate interests.”

He emphasized that telecommunication services are essential for communication, work, and information access. However, the average worker already spends about 10% of their income on telecom services.

“For a worker earning N70,000 minimum wage, this tariff increase means a rise from N7,000 to N10,500 per month — nearly 15% of their salary,” Ajaero noted. “This is unsustainable and illustrates the government’s preference for corporate profits over the well-being of its people.”

The NLC insists that it will continue to resist the tariff hike, urging the government to reconsider the decision to protect workers’ livelihoods and the nation’s economic stability.