Telecoms tariff hike: NLC holds nationwide protests

*Directs affiliates, state councils to mobilize workers, allies

*Threatens to escalate protest to national strike, if…

As part of its mobilization against the planned 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has resolved to hold a nationwide protest on Tuesday February 4. 

The NLC in an emergency National Administrative Council, NAC, meeting yesterday, directed all its affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilization in preparation for the protest.

It also urged willing civil society allies to join the preparation and called on  Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against what it described as unjust policy.

The communique issued at the end of the meeting, read by NLC president, Joe Ajaero, read:  “NAC-in-session totally rejects the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike which it considers  too harsh for citizens. 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 policies of government which was no fault of theirs.

“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, earning a minimum wage of only N70,000; a population that has suffered outrageous hike in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff and general rising inflation.

“All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilization in preparation for the February 4, 2025, nationwide protest rally. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the preparation. The congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy.

“NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50 per cent tariff hike. It calls on the federal government, the Nigeria Communication Commission, NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment within the context of the economic realities facing Nigerians.

“Should these not be heeded, the NLC 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 NLC remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies. 

‘’We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people. Nigerian workers and citizens must unite and take action to prevent further economic oppression. We must resist any policy that prioritizes corporate profits over the well-being of the people.”

Recall that NLC had on January 22, rejected the 50 per cent telecommunication tariffs hike approved by the federal government through the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, and vowed to resist the increase until it is reversed.