NLC Condemns 50% Telecom Tariff Hike, Calls for Nationwide Boycott

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the recent 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs approved by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

This was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025.

Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, described the increase as a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats that are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship.

“This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats,” said

He emphasised that telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information, yet an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10% of their wages on telecom charges.

“For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month—a cost that is unsustainable,” Ajaero stated.

The NLC criticised the government for prioritising corporate profits over the welfare of its citizens.

“It is shocking that the government approved this 50% tariff increase for telecom companies within a month, yet it took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage for workers,” Ajaero said.

He questioned the government’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens.

“When will the government stand for the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly rise to its responsibility and hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority?” Ajaero asked.

While not opposed to a tariff review, the NLC disagrees with the approved rate of increase.

The union called on the government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to halt the implementation of this hike and engage in a dialogue to determine a more reasonable increase.

“The NLC calls on all Nigerian workers and masses to reject this unjustifiable tariff hike,” Ajaero said.

“We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase.”