Emmanuel OchayiThe Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide protest on February 4, 2025, against the 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The decision was reached at the National Administrative Council meeting held on January 29.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, described the tariff hike as “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace.” He emphasized that the increase would worsen economic hardship for Nigerians already struggling with inflation, high fuel prices, and rising electricity tariffs.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50% telecom tariff hike, which it considers too harsh for citizens. It, therefore, strongly condemns the NCC’s decision to approve the increase in telecommunications tariffs,” Ajaero said.
Nationwide Protest Planned
Ajaero announced that the NLC would mobilise its members and civil society organisations for a mass rally to oppose the tariff hike.
“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 N70,000. A population that has suffered outrageous hikes in the price of petrol, high food costs, high electricity tariffs, and general rising inflation.”
The NLC has directed all affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilization for the protest. Ajaero urged Nigerian workers and the general public to stand in solidarity against what he termed an “unjust policy.”
Civil Society Groups Back Protest
Several civil society organizations, including the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), and the Take It Back Movement, have endorsed the protest.
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, said, “CISLAC will always side with the people and support any action to bring down these prices and reduce the hardship Nigerians are facing. We will always support efforts to improve the welfare of Nigerians.”
READ ALSO: NLC Urges Tinubu To Reject World Bank’s ‘Cruel’ Economic Reforms
Damilare Adenola, Director of Mobilization for the Take It Back Movement, said his group played a role in pushing the NLC to take action.
“I can say that we instigated the NLC to take action. So, for us to have done that implies that we are part and parcel of the action. We stand for the reversal of the tariff hike, unequivocally. We are not asking for a reduction,” Adenola stated.
Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director of the NCSCN, also condemned the tariff hike and confirmed that his group would picket the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council office.
“We have submitted a letter officially to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council office, letting them know that over 20 different organisations have expressed displeasure over the frivolous and high increment without proper consultation. We will start a protest on Monday,” he said.
NLC Threatens Boycott of Telecom Services
The NLC has warned that failure to reverse the tariff hike might result in a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services. Ajaero stressed that the government must engage with stakeholders to find a fair resolution.
“NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike. It calls 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.”
He warned that if the government fails to respond, the NLC would escalate its actions.
“Should these not be heeded, the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions which may involve a nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality.”
Telecom Operators Defend Tariff Hike
The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has defended the tariff increase, arguing that it is necessary to sustain the industry. ATCON Chairman, Tony Emoekpere, questioned why the NLC was singling out telecom operators.
“When the prices of tomatoes, onions, or bread increased, did we see any protests? No one took to the streets when transport fares rose due to increasing fuel costs,” he remarked.
Emoekpere insisted that the tariff hike was not arbitrary but aimed at improving service quality.
“This tariff adjustment is not simply an increase; it is intended to coincide with enhancements in service quality. Our primary focus should be on improving the quality of service to benefit consumers.”
He warned that resistance to the hike could negatively impact the sector.
“If the industry is not allowed to thrive, it will be unable to meet the service demands of consumers. Remember, this is a private sector service, not a government agency.”
Subscribers’ Association Backs Tariff Hike
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (ATCIS) has supported the tariff hike but called for a reduction to 10%. Its National President, Sina Bilesanmi, dismissed the NLC’s protest, asserting that the decision had already been finalized.
“The 50% hike has been implemented and is here to stay. There’s no need for protest or further action. ATCIS was part of the decision-making process, alongside other stakeholders, during meetings held from January 8 to January 13.”
Bilesanmi criticized the NLC’s involvement in the matter, arguing that the union should focus on workers’ welfare.
“This is not their area of concern. They should focus on workers’ welfare. The NCC has engaged the appropriate stakeholders, and we were all part of those meetings.”
He also pointed out that previous resistance to tariff adjustments had hindered industry progress.
“Where was the NLC when we were battling telcos and former ministers over this issue? Now, after careful deliberations, the decision has been made, and we stand by it. Let’s see what they intend to do next,” he noted.
The NLC remains firm in its stance against the telecom tariff hike and has vowed to continue its fight for Nigerian workers and citizens. The nationwide protest is expected to be a major test of public sentiment, with both supporters and critics of the hike preparing for February 4. Whether the government will respond to the demands or hold firm remains to be seen.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
