Opposition to the proposed 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs has intensified across Nigeria. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has officially called on its affiliates, state councils, and civil society allies to fully mobilize for a nationwide protest scheduled for February 4, 2025. The planned increase, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has sparked outrage, with many groups arguing that it will worsen economic hardship for citizens.
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action, notifying the NCC of a pending lawsuit challenging the tariff hike. SERAP’s legal representatives have urged the commission to halt any implementation of the increase while the matter remains before the court.
The group argues that the tariff adjustment will make telecommunications services unaffordable, further limiting Nigerians’ access to information and communication.
In response to the tariff hike, the NLC, through its General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, issued letters to its state councils and affiliate unions, instructing them to begin immediate mobilization for a peaceful protest. The letter stated, “The rally shall take place in various state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on February 4, 2025, by 7 a.m. You are expected to coordinate all affiliates in your states and work with volunteering civil society partners for an effective rally.”
The NLC further noted that the protest would be a direct response to “all policies that afflict Nigerian workers and masses,” stressing that the demonstration will send a strong message to the government. Protesters are expected to march to NCC offices or state assemblies where they will submit petitions demanding a reversal of the tariff hike.
Several rights groups, including the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) and the Joint Action Front (JAF), have urged Nigerians to participate in the demonstration. HURIWA’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated, “Nigerians must realize that this fight is not just for NLC alone, it is a fight for every citizen being crushed by reckless economic policies.” He accused the government of prioritizing corporate interests over the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
JAF’s Secretary, Abiodun Aremu, reinforced their support for the protest, noting that his organization would work closely with the NLC to mobilize workers and civil society groups. He said, “JAF will not only call on Nigerian workers to stand resolute in mobilizing for a successful action but will join the NLC to encourage the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and other pro-worker platforms to stand united.”
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Related Institutions (NASU) also expressed strong opposition to the hike, calling for further action beyond the protest. General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi stated, “It should go beyond protest. It should be followed by a full-blown strike action.”
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) acknowledged the challenges faced by telecom operators but warned that the tariff increase would create additional burdens for consumers, particularly those in lower-income brackets. Director-General Dr. Chinyere Almona noted, “While this hike may offer relief for the operators, it risks placing additional strain on consumers.” She added that the government should focus on improving infrastructure and regulating telecom services to ensure better quality for users.
In response to the growing backlash, the NCC has expressed its willingness to engage with stakeholders, including the NLC, SERAP, and the National Association of Telecom Subscribers in Nigeria (NATCOMS), to explain the rationale behind the price adjustment. A senior NCC official noted, “Most of the protests against the price adjustment, including court actions, are basically out of ignorance. If stakeholders allow dialogue, they will understand that we acted to save the sector and the economy.”
Despite the NCC’s defense, the NLC remains firm in its stance, insisting that the February 4 protest will proceed as planned. The labour group has called on all Nigerians, including informal sector workers and the general public, to join in resisting the policy, which it describes as an “assault on the welfare of citizens.”
