• NLC warns of escalated actions, including telecom boycott
• ₦70,000 income deemed insufficient to cope with rising costs
• Calls for solidarity from workers, informal sector, and civil society allies
By Monday Reuben, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in response to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs. The decision, described by the union as “insensitive and unjustifiable,” comes amid growing public outcry over the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
The protest was announced following an emergency meeting of the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) held in Abuja on Wednesday. In a communique signed by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and made available to DAILY COURIER, the union condemned the tariff hike, stating that it would further exacerbate the financial struggles of Nigerian workers and the general public.
The NLC argued that the increase, coming at a time when Nigerians are grappling with skyrocketing inflation, high food prices, electricity tariff hikes, and the lingering effects of petrol subsidy removal, is a “direct assault” on the populace. The union emphasized that workers earning the national minimum wage of ₦70,000 are particularly vulnerable and cannot afford the additional burden.
“NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50% Telecom Tariff Hike, which it considers too harsh for citizens,” the communique read. “To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population.”
The NLC has directed all its affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilization for the protest, urging willing civil society allies to join the preparation. The union also called on Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against the policy.
The NCC’s decision to increase telecom tariffs has been met with widespread criticism since it was announced last week. The NLC had initially called for dialogue with the government, but the lack of response has prompted the union to take a more confrontational approach.
In its communique, the NLC demanded an immediate suspension of the tariff hike and called on the Federal Government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to review the proposed adjustment. The union warned that failure to address its concerns could lead to escalated actions, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and broader industrial action.
“Should these not be heeded, the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality,” the communique stated.
The planned protest is expected to draw significant participation from workers across various sectors, as well as civil society organizations and members of the public who have expressed frustration over the rising cost of living. Analysts warn that the government’s handling of the situation could have far-reaching implications for social and economic stability in the country.
As the February 4 protest date approaches, all eyes are on the Federal Government to see if it will engage with the NLC and other stakeholders to address the growing discontent over the telecom tariff hike and other economic challenges facing Nigerians.
