The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest against the recent increase in data, airtime, and other telecommunication service charges.
In a statement released after its National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, the NLC declared that the protest would take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
The protest follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) approval of a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, despite telecom operators initially requesting a 100% hike.
Last week, the NLC urged Nigerians to boycott telecommunication services in response to the price increase, calling it a burden on citizens already struggling with economic difficulties. The union also criticized the Federal Government for approving the tariff hike, describing it as an attack on Nigerians’ welfare.
Following the emergency meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero reaffirmed the union’s opposition to the increase.
“NAC-in-session totally rejects the 50% telecom tariff hike, which it considers too harsh for citizens. It, therefore, strongly condemns the Nigerian Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase,” Ajaero stated.
He described the move as “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general populace,” who are already struggling with economic hardship caused by government policies.
To express dissatisfaction with the price hike, the NLC has planned a nationwide protest rally on February 4, 2025.
“To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, 4 February 2025. The rally will serve as a warning against the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000,” Ajaero stated.
He noted that Nigerians are already burdened by rising fuel prices, food inflation, high electricity tariffs, and worsening economic conditions.
The NLC has directed its affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilization ahead of the nationwide protest.
“All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilisation in preparation for the nationwide protest rally on 4 February 2025. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the movement,” Ajaero said.
He also called on Nigerian workers, informal sector employees, and the general public to unite against the tariff hike.
The NLC has demanded an immediate suspension of the 50% increase and urged the Federal Government to engage in discussions with relevant stakeholders.
“NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike. It calls on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment in light of the economic realities facing Nigerians,” Ajaero stated.
He warned that if the government fails to address their concerns, the NLC may escalate its actions, including a nationwide boycott of telecom services and possible mass industrial action.
The labour union reiterated its commitment to fighting economic policies that it believes negatively impact workers and citizens.
“The NLC remains committed to safeguarding the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic measures. We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people,” Ajaero added.
He called on Nigerians to take action and resist policies that prioritize corporate profits over the well-being of the people.
The nationwide protest on February 4 is expected to draw massive participation from workers, trade unions, and civil society groups across the country.
