NLC declares nationwide protest, Sets date to hold rally over Telecom Tariff hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in opposition to the proposed 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs.

According to a communiqué released by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, following the National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting held in Abuja.

The NLC announced a nationwide one-day rally and protest to be held in all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

“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, a high cost of food, a hike in electricity tariffs, and general rising inflation,” it said.

Congress directed all its affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilisation towards the success of the protest.

It added: “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.”

The NAC-in-session demanded an immediate suspension of the 50 per cent tariff hike, calling on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Communications 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 NLC said the decision to hike tariffs by 50 per cent 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 the government, which were no fault of theirs.

It then submitted that “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 involve the nationwide withdrawal of our services to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality.”

It stated that it remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies.

It maintained 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 said