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NLC Announces Nationwide Protest Against 50% Telecom Tariff Hike on February 4

NLC has called for a nationwide protest on February 4, demanding the reversal of a 50% telecom tariff hike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its branches and affiliates to mobilise members for a nationwide protest rally on Tuesday February 4 2025 to demand reversal of the 50 percent increase in telecommunications tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

It said that should the government and NCC fail to heed the cry of the workers, it will escalate actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting of its National Administrative Council (NAC), NLC demanded an immediate suspension of the 50 percent tariff hike.

It called on the federal government, the Nigeria Communication Commission (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.

The communique signed by NLC president Joe Ajaero read: “NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50 percent Telecom Tariff Hike which it considers as too harsh for citizens. It therefore strongly condemns the Nigeria Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase in telecommunications tariffs.

“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by Policies of government which was no fault of theirs.

“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 hike in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff and general rising inflation”.

NLC said that all its affiliates and state councils have been directed to begin full mobilization in preparation for the February 4, 2025, nationwide protest rally.

It also urged willing civil society allies to join in mobilizing for the nationwide protest.

The labour movement further urged all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against what it described as unjust policy of government.

“NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike. It calls on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Communication Commission (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 and further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality,” it said.

NLC said it remained committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies, adding that it will not relent in its struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people.

“Nigerian workers and citizens must unite and take action to prevent further economic oppression. We must resist any policy that prioritizes corporate profits over the well-being of the people,” it added.

Onyebuchi Ezigbo

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