After so many failed industrial actions, the Nigeria Labour Congress has declared yet another nationwide protest over the recent hike in telecommunications tariffs.
The protest is scheduled for Tuesday, 4 February 2025.
This announcement was made in a communiqué issued after the NLC’s National Administrative Council meeting on Wednesday.
The Federal Government approved a 50 per cent increase after telecom operators initially sought a 100 per cent hike.
In response, the NLC called on Nigerians on Friday to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services to protest this increase.
However, after an emergency meeting on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero declared that the council has rejected the 50 per cent hike.
He characterised the increase as “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already struggling with worsening economic hardship.”
Ajaero added, “After thorough discussions, the following resolutions were reached: the NAC-in-session categorically rejects the 50% telecom tariff hike, deeming it excessively burdensome for citizens. It strongly condemns the Nigerian Communications Commission’s approval of this increase.
“This decision is insensitive and unjustifiable and directly attacks Nigerian workers and the wider population, who are already suffering under escalating economic hardship due to government policies beyond their control.”
He further announced that the union would stage a nationwide protest on 4 February to oppose the government’s decision.
Ajaero stated, “To collectively express our opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will organise a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, 4 February 2025. This rally will serve as a warning against the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population that earns a minimum wage of only N70,000. This populace has already faced severe petrol price hikes, soaring food costs, elevated electricity tariffs, and rising inflation.”
He instructed all NLC affiliates to commence mobilisation in advance of the protest.
“All NLC affiliates and state councils are instructed to begin full mobilisation in preparation for the nationwide protest rally on 4 February 2025. Civil society allies willing to join the cause are also encouraged to participate.
“The Congress urges all Nigerian workers, those in the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy.”
Ajaero demanded an immediate suspension of the 50 per cent tariff hike and called on the Federal Government to engage in dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
He cautioned that failure to do so could lead to a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
He stated, “NAC-in-session demands an immediate halt to the 50% tariff increase. It calls upon the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Assembly to conduct meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to reassess the proposed tariff adjustment in light of the economic realities faced by Nigerians.
“Should these demands not be met, the NLC will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions that may involve a complete withdrawal of our services to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality.”
He reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to protecting Nigerian workers and citizens from exploitative economic policies.
“The NLC remains devoted to safeguarding the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic measures. We will not waver in our fight against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people. Nigerians must unite and take action to prevent further economic oppression. We must resist any policy that prioritises corporate profits over the well-being of the people.”