The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 in response to the recent increase in telecommunications tariffs
In a communiqué issued after its National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting on Wednesday, the NLC rejected the Federal Government’s approval of a 50% tariff hike, which came after telecom operators initially requested a 100% increase.
The NLC, in a statement on Friday, urged Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services as a form of protest against the hike.
Following an emergency meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero described the tariff increase as “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace already burdened by worsening economic hardship.”
He added, “After extensive deliberations, the NAC-in-session totally rejects the 50% telecom tariff hike, strongly condemning the Nigerian Communications Commission’s approval of the increase.”
Ajaero announced that the union would stage a nationwide protest to oppose the decision, saying, “To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. This 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. Nigerians have already endured outrageous petrol price hikes, soaring food costs, increased electricity tariffs, and rising inflation.”
He directed all NLC affiliates to begin mobilization ahead of the protest and encouraged civil society groups to join the movement.
“All NLC affiliates and state councils are to commence full mobilization for the nationwide protest. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy,” Ajaero stated.
The NLC demanded an immediate suspension of the tariff hike and called for dialogue between the Federal Government and key stakeholders.
“The NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike and urges the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue to review the proposed adjustment in light of current economic realities,” Ajaero said.
He warned that failure to meet these demands could lead to further escalations, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and possible mass action.
“The NLC remains committed to protecting Nigerian workers and citizens from exploitative economic policies. We must unite and take action to resist policies that prioritize corporate profits over the well-being of the people,” he added.
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