NLC To Hold Mass Rally Against Telecom Tariff Hike on February 4

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The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has notified all its members to embark on a nationwide mass rally on February 4 over the recent 50 percent hike on tariff of telecom services by Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC.

Joe Ajaero, NLC President, said this in a communique issued at the end of the Congress’ National Administrative Council, NAC,meeting held on Wednesday, January 29, in Abuja.

He affirmed that NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike as it was considered as too harsh for the citizens.

“To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

“The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only ₦70,000. A population that has suffered outrageous hike in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff and general rising inflation.

“All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilisation in preparation for the February 4, 2025, nationwide protest rally. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the preparation.

“The Congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy.”

NAC-in-session has therefore called for the immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike.

Ajero also called on the Federal Government, the NCC and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment within the context of the economic realities facing Nigerians.

“Should these not be heeded, the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.

“Others are further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality.

“We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people,” he reaffirmed.

NLC has rather made a counter proposal of five percent tariff increase.
The 50% increase shows excess generousity by the NCC. It is higher than the inflation rate in the country which stands at 34.80 percent.