NLC Declares Nationwide Protest Over Telecom Tariff Hikes

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest in response to the recent increase in data, airtime, and other telecommunication tariffs. The protest, scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, is a direct reaction to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)’s approval of a 50% tariff hike, which follows an earlier request from telecom operators for a 100% increase.

In a statement issued after the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the union expressed its opposition to the decision, calling it a significant blow to the already struggling Nigerian populace. The NLC’s announcement of the protest came after the commission’s approval of the telecom tariff hike, which the union believes will further exacerbate the economic hardships faced by Nigerian citizens.

The NLC’s decision to protest stems from the union’s belief that the increase is an unjustifiable financial burden, especially in a country where millions are grappling with rising costs of living. Last week, the union urged Nigerians to boycott telecommunication services in protest, criticizing the Federal Government for approving the hike during a time of economic hardship.

NLC President Joe Ajaero voiced strong disapproval of the tariff hike, referring to it as “insensitive” and “a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace.” Ajaero emphasized that the decision was particularly troubling as it came amid an ongoing economic crunch. He further criticized the government’s lack of sensitivity to the struggles of the Nigerian people.

“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,” Ajaero said during the meeting.

The NLC president made it clear that the tariff hike was both “insensitive” and “unjustifiable,” particularly in a country already dealing with severe economic issues. He stressed that the decision was a direct attack on the welfare of Nigerians, many of whom are living under the weight of worsening economic conditions caused by inflation and various government policies.

“These policies have already placed Nigerian workers under immense pressure, and the imposition of an additional financial burden through higher telecom tariffs is unacceptable,” Ajaero added. His comments reflect the widespread dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies, which many Nigerians feel have not been effective in improving their living conditions.

To further mobilize opposition to the decision, Ajaero confirmed that the NLC would organize a nationwide mass rally on February 4, 2025. The protest will serve as a collective opposition to what the union describes as an “arbitrary” tariff hike, which they argue will disproportionately affect a population already reeling from increases in the cost of living.

“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,” Ajaero said, underscoring the disparity between workers’ wages and the cost of living.

The protest is not only directed at the telecom tariff hike but also serves as a broader protest against the ongoing economic difficulties facing Nigerian workers. Ajaero pointed out that Nigerians are already dealing with a range of other financial challenges, including fuel price hikes, soaring food prices, and rising electricity tariffs.

In his statement, Ajaero highlighted the plight of Nigerian workers, saying, “This is a population that has already endured outrageous petrol price hikes, soaring food costs, increased electricity tariffs, and rising inflation.” He noted that these factors have already placed an unbearable strain on the average Nigerian citizen.

The NLC has called on all its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies to mobilize for the protest. Ajaero urged all Nigerian workers, including those in the informal sector, as well as the general public, to stand in solidarity against what he described as an “unjust policy.” The NLC president’s call for a broad-based coalition highlights the potential for widespread support for 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,” he stated, signaling that the NLC intends to build a broad coalition to amplify the impact of the protest.