“NLC to Stage Nationwide Protest Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike”
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to stage a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to protest the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the decision to hold the rally was made after an emergency meeting of the union’s National Administrative Council (NAC). The NLC described the tariff hike as unfair, especially for a population already struggling with a minimum wage of ₦70,000, and facing soaring petrol prices, rising food costs, an increase in electricity tariffs, and rampant inflation.
The rally, according to the NLC, will serve as a warning to the government about the dangers of imposing such burdensome hikes on Nigerians already grappling with economic hardships. The union directed its affiliates and state councils to begin mobilizing for the protest, calling on civil society allies and the general public to join the action.
The NLC strongly condemned the NCC’s decision, calling it insensitive and unjustifiable. The union argued that the hike is a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already struggling with the economic consequences of government policies.
“The 50% tariff increase is too harsh for the citizens and we totally reject it,” the union stated. “This decision is insensitive and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship.”
The NLC has demanded the immediate suspension of the tariff increase and called for the Federal Government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in a meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to review the adjustment, taking into account Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
Should the government fail to heed the call, the NLC warned that it would escalate its actions, which could include a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions, including a nationwide withdrawal of services.
The NLC reiterated its commitment to defending the rights and interests of Nigerian workers and citizens, vowing to continue its fight against policies that undermine the welfare of the people. The union stressed that it would not relent in opposing policies that prioritize corporate profits over the well-being of the Nigerian people.
On January 20, 2025, the NCC approved the 50% increase in telecom tariffs, citing ongoing industry reforms. According to NCC spokesperson Reuben Muoka, the decision was made after taking into account sustainability concerns within the industry. The increase was lower than the over 100% hike originally requested by some network operators.
The NCC said the price adjustment would remain within the tariff bands set in the 2013 NCC Cost Study and would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, in accordance with its standard practice. The new tariffs will be implemented in line with the recently issued NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification, 2024.
