The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide mass rally scheduled for February 4, 2025, to protest the 50% increase in telecom service tariffs. The hike, introduced by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC), has sparked strong opposition from the labour union, which considers it an unfair burden on citizens already struggling with economic challenges.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, made this known in a communique issued after the National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday. He stated that the council rejected the tariff increase, arguing that it would worsen the financial struggles of Nigerians.
“To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025,” Ajaero stated.
He further noted that the rally aims to draw attention to the negative impact of the tariff adjustment, particularly on low-income earners. Many Nigerians, he said, are already dealing with rising fuel costs, high food prices, increased electricity tariffs, and overall inflation. The additional burden of expensive telecom services, he argued, would only deepen financial hardship.
The NLC has directed all its affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilization ahead of the protest. Ajaero also encouraged civil society organizations to join the rally in solidarity against the price hike.
The union is demanding an immediate suspension of the tariff increase and has called on the Federal Government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to hold discussions with relevant stakeholders. They believe the review should take into account the current economic conditions in the country.
Ajaero warned that if their concerns are ignored, the NLC might take further action, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and other mass protests.
“Should these not be heeded, the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services,” he said.
He added that the NLC remains committed to protecting Nigerian workers and citizens from economic policies that could lead to greater financial hardship.
“We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people,” Ajaero reaffirmed.
