Nigeria Labour Congress Plans Nationwide Protest Against 50% Telecom Tariff Hike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to embark on a nationwide protest on February 4th, 2025, against the proposed 50% telecom tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The decision was made at the National Administrative Council meeting of the NLC on January 29th, 2025.
According to NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the tariff hike is “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace already burdened by the worsening economic hardship.” Ajaero warns that if the hike is not reversed, the NLC might embark on a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
The planned protest has received support from Civil Society Organizations, including the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre, National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, and the Take It Back Movement. These organizations have condemned the tariff hike and assured their participation in the protests.
The Federal Government had approved a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, despite telecom operators requesting a 100% increase. The NLC has rejected the hike, describing it as a clear assault on Nigerian workers and the general public.
In response to the planned protest, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, states that the organization will always side with the people and support any action to bring down prices and reduce hardship. The Executive Director of the NCSCN, Blessing Akinlosotu, also notes that the declaration of the nationwide protest shows that Nigerians are unhappy with the tariff hike.
By Omolola Dare
GMN Correspondent, Oyo State
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