The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for a nationwide protest in response to the recent increase in telecommunications tariffs. The protest is set to take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
This was revealed in a communiqué issued following the NLC’s National Administrative Council meeting on Wednesday.
The Federal Government approved a 50% increase in telecom tariffs after operators initially requested a 100% hike.
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In reaction, the NLC called on Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecom services in protest against the tariff hike. Following an emergency meeting on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the council rejected the 50% increase.
He described the increase as “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship.”
Ajaero added, “After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session totally rejects the 50% telecom tariff hike, which it considers too harsh for citizens. It, therefore, strongly condemns the Nigerian Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase.”
“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already suffering under worsening economic hardship caused by government policies beyond their control.”
He also announced that the union would hold a nationwide protest on February 4 to oppose the government’s decision.
Ajaero said, “To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, 4 February 2025. The rally will serve as a warning against the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000. This is a population that has already endured outrageous petrol price hikes, soaring food costs, increased electricity tariffs, and rising inflation.”
He directed all NLC affiliates to begin mobilisation ahead of the protest.
“All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilisation in preparation for the nationwide protest rally on 4 February 2025. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the movement.
“The Congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy.”
Ajaero called for an immediate halt to the 50 percent tariff increase and urged the Federal Government to engage in discussions with stakeholders.
He warned that if this request was not met, it could result in a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
He stated, “NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike. It calls on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment in light of the economic realities facing Nigerians.
“Should these demands not be met, the NLC will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions, which may involve a nationwide withdrawal of our services to resist policies that deepen poverty and inequality.”
He reiterated the NLC’s dedication to safeguarding Nigerian workers and citizens from exploitative economic policies.
“The NLC remains committed to safeguarding the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic measures. We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people. Nigerians must unite and take action to prevent further economic oppression. We must resist any policy that prioritises corporate profits over the well-being of the people.”
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