NLC to protest telecom tariff hike Feb 4, threatens indefinite strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide protest rally on February 4, 2025, against the federal government’s approval for a 50 per cent telecommunication tariff hike in the country.

To this end, the NLC has directed its state councils and affiliates as well as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) willing to join in the protest rally, to begin mobilisation of their members.

This was contained in a communique signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, at the end of the union’s National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday, January 29.

Condemning the 50 per cent tariff increase which was described as insensitive and a direct assault on the masses already struggling to survive government’s anti-people policies, the NLC urged Nigerians to stand in solidarity with the union against government’s “unjust policy.

While lamenting that the new minimum wage was far from enough given government’s new found love of increasing tariffs and high inflation costs, the NLC warned that it may be forced to completely down tools should government fail to address the 50 per cent telecommunication tariff increase and other policies impoverishing Nigerians.

The union stated: “NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50% telecom tariff hike which it considers as 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.

FG: Why we approved telecom tariff hike

“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% tariff hike. It calls on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Communications 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 Nigeria Labour Congress 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 Nigeria Labour Congress 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.”

The Star