By DAYO ADESULU
NLC Demands Reversal of 50% Increase, Threatens Boycott
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for a nationwide protest on February 4, 2025, following the approval of a 50% increase in telecom tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the decision was confirmed after a National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting on January 29. Civil society organizations have also condemned the tariff hike, pledging support for the protest.
Labour Rejects Telecom Tariff Hike
Ajaero criticized the Federal Government’s approval of the increase, describing it as an unjust attack on Nigerians already grappling with economic difficulties.
“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on workers and the general populace, who are already struggling with high fuel prices, inflation, and electricity tariff hikes,” Ajaero stated.
The NLC is demanding an immediate reversal of the hike, warning that failure to comply could lead to a nationwide telecom service boycott.
Civil Society Organizations Join the Fight
Key advocacy groups, including the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), and Take It Back Movement, have declared full support for the February 4 protest.
CISLAC Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, emphasized:
“We stand with the Nigerian people against multinational corporations and their government collaborators who continue to exploit the masses.”
Similarly, NCSCN Executive Director, Blessing Akinlosotu, announced plans to picket the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) in protest against what he called “economic suffocation” caused by rising costs.
Telecom Operators Defend Tariff Increase
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has pushed back against the NLC’s protest, arguing that telecom operators are being unfairly targeted while price hikes in other sectors go unchallenged.
ATCON Chairman, Tony Emoekpere, questioned:
“When the prices of tomatoes, onions, or bread increased, did we see protests? When transport fares rose due to fuel costs, did NLC take to the streets?”
He insisted that telecom providers have absorbed rising operational costs for years and should not be scapegoated.
What Happens Next?
As labour unions and civil groups push for a reversal and telecom operators defend the price adjustment, tensions are expected to escalate in the coming days.
If the government fails to engage in dialogue, the NLC has threatened more drastic measures, including a nationwide boycott of telecom services and a possible general strike.
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