The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for a nationwide protest on February 4, 2025, against the 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a communiqué signed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the union rejected the tariff hike, calling it insensitive and unjustifiable given the worsening economic conditions faced by Nigerians. Ajaero warned that if the hike is not reversed, the NLC may escalate its actions, including a nationwide boycott of telecom services.
Labour and Civil Society Organizations Mobilize
The Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), and the Take It Back Movement have pledged their full support for the protest, condemning the hike as an attack on struggling Nigerians.
Ajaero directed all Nigeria Labour Congress affiliates to mobilize their members, emphasizing that Nigerian workers must unite against economic oppression.
Telecom Industry Responds
However, telecom operators have criticized the planned protest, arguing that the tariff adjustment is necessary to sustain the industry.
- Tony Emoekpere, Chairman of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), questioned why the Nigeria Labour Congress ignored price hikes in other sectors but singled out telecoms.
- The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (ATCIS) expressed support for the increase but suggested reducing it to 10%.
Despite opposition from telecom stakeholders, the NLC remains adamant, warning that failure to reverse the tariff hike could trigger further mass actions across the country.