NLC To Hold Nationwide Protest Against Telecom Tariff Hike.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest on Tuesday, 4 February, to oppose the planned 50 per cent increase in telecommunication tariffs.
The decision was reached during the ongoing National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting of the NLC, as workers seek to resist what they describe as an unfair financial burden on Nigerians.
The NLC had earlier rejected the tariff hike, which was approved by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on 22 January. The labour union argues that the increase, amid the current economic challenges, will push more citizens into financial hardship.
In a statement titled “50% Telecom Tariff Hike: Another Burden Too Harsh!”, NLC President Joe Ajaero strongly condemned the move, describing it as a “clear assault” on the welfare of Nigerian workers.
“Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10 per cent of their wages on telecom charges,” Ajaero stated.
He further explained that for a worker earning the new minimum wage of N70,000, telecom expenses would rise from N7,000 to N10,500 per month, consuming up to 15 per cent of their salary.
“This hike exemplifies the government’s apparent ease in prioritising corporate profits over citizens’ welfare,” he added.
The NLC’s protest aims to pressure the government to reconsider the decision, highlighting its potential impact on millions of Nigerians struggling with rising living costs.
