NLC rejects 50% telecoms tariff hike, declares nationwide protest on February 4

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the 50% telecoms tariff increase and announced a nationwide protest on February 4, 2025.

Comrade Joe Ajaero, NLC President announced the planned protest following an emergency meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) held today.

“NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50% telecoms tariff hike which it considers as too harsh for citizens. It therefore strongly condemns the Nigeria Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase in telecommunications tariffs. This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by Policies of government which was no fault of theirs,” the NLC President states.

NLC: Telecoms tariff increase must be suspended

As part of its response, the NLC has declared a nationwide mass rally slated for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to oppose the tariff hike.

Ajaero announced that all NLC affiliates and state councils have been directed to begin full mobilisation for the protest rally, urging willing civil society allies to join the action.

According to him, “to express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only ₦70,000; a population that has suffered outrageous hike in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff and general rising inflation.”

The NLC is also demanding an immediate suspension of the tariff hike and has urged the Federal Government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment in line with the economic realities facing Nigerians.

“NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike. It calls on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment within the context of the economic realities facing Nigerians,” Comrade Ajaero says.

The labour see union warned that failure to meet its demands could lead to escalated actions, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunications services and a potential nationwide withdrawal of workers’ services.

“Should these not be heeded,” the NLC President says, “the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality.”

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting Nigerian workers and citizens, the NLC urges all Nigerians to unite and resist economic policies that worsen poverty and inequality.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies. We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people. Nigerian workers and citizens must unite and take action to prevent further economic oppression. We must resist any policy that prioritizes corporate profits over the well-being of the people,” Comrade Ajaero adds.

With inflation, fuel price hikes, and rising electricity tariffs already straining household incomes, the NLC maintains that this tariff increase must be reversed immediately.