The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to stage a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in response to the recent increase in telecommunications tariffs.
The decision was contained in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) on Wednesday.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking after the meeting, condemned the 50% tariff hike, which was approved by the Federal Government following an initial request by telecom operators for a 100% increase.
In reaction, the NLC has called on Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, describing the hike as “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already struggling with economic hardship.”
Ajaero stated, “After extensive discussions, NAC-in-session has totally rejected the 50% telecom tariff hike, which it considers too harsh on citizens. The Nigerian Communications Commission’s decision to approve this increase is unacceptable and must be reversed.”
To express opposition to the policy, the NLC has scheduled a mass rally on February 4, urging all its affiliates to begin mobilization ahead of the protest.
“This protest will serve as a warning against imposing such an unfair tariff increase on a population earning a minimum wage of just N70,000, already burdened by soaring fuel prices, rising food costs, increased electricity tariffs, and inflation,” Ajaero added.
The NLC further called for an immediate suspension of the tariff hike and urged the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the National Assembly to engage in discussions with stakeholders to reassess the policy in light of the country’s economic situation.
Ajaero warned that failure to meet these demands could lead to further mass actions, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
Reaffirming the NLC’s commitment to protecting Nigerian workers, he stated, “We will not relent in our struggle against policies that deepen poverty and inequality. Nigerians must unite to resist economic oppression and demand policies that prioritize public welfare over corporate profits.”