By Capital Watch Media
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has announced a nationwide protest scheduled for 4 February 2025 in response to the recent 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.
In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union strongly condemned the tariff hike, describing it as burdensome for Nigerian workers already struggling with economic hardship.
The decision to protest was taken at the NLC’s National Administrative Council meeting held on 29 January. Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, have also pledged support for the demonstration.
Ajaero warned that if the tariff increase was not reversed, the NLC might call for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
“To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, 4 February 2025,” Ajaero stated.
He directed all NLC affiliates and state councils to mobilise members, urging willing civil society groups to join the rally in solidarity.
CSOs, including the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre and the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, have voiced their opposition to the hike and confirmed their participation in the protests.
However, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria defended the tariff adjustment, arguing that telecom operators have faced rising costs and that the increase was necessary to sustain service quality.
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers, ATCIS, has expressed support for the hike but called for a reduction to 10 per cent instead of 50 per cent.
It has also indicated plans to challenge the increase in court.
Despite opposition from telecom firms and some stakeholders, the NLC remains resolute in its stance, insisting that the government engage in meaningful dialogue to address public concerns over the tariff increase.
