NLC Declares Nationwide Protest Against Telecom Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs. The protest is set for Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

The decision was reached during an emergency National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting on Wednesday, where the NLC strongly rejected theNLC strongly rejected the tariff hike approved by the Federal Government. Telecom operators had initially proposed a 100% increase, but the government approved a 50% adjustment instead.

NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the decision, calling it “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace already struggling with economic hardship.”

He stated that the protest would serve as a warning against imposing further financial burdens on Nigerians, who are already dealing with high fuel prices, soaring food costs, increased electricity tariffs, and rising inflation.

“To express our opposition to this arbitrary hike, the NLC will hold a nationwide mass rally on February 4, 2025. This increase is unfair to a population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000,” Ajaero said.

The NLC has directed all its affiliates and state councils to begin mobilization, urging civil society organizations to join the movement.

Ajaero also demanded an immediate suspension of the tariff increase and called for dialogue between the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and other stakeholders.

“If our demands are not met, we will escalate our actions, including a nationwide boycott of telecom services and a possible mass withdrawal of our labor,” he warned.

The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian workers from exploitative economic policies and urged citizens to unite against measures that worsen economic hardship.