The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) would embark on a nationwide mass rally on February 4, to protest the 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs, just as it also condemned the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) for approving the increase.
The Labour which made this known in a communique it issued after the meeting of its National Administrative Council (NAC) in Abuja on Tuesday, declared that the rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning only ₦70,000; a population that has suffered outrageous hike in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff and general rising inflation.
The increase, according to the communique signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was too harsh for citizens, adding that the increase was “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.”
The NLC said it was opposed to arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
The Labour has invited civil society allies to join the preparation, urging all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy.
The communiques said “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.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies. We will not relent in our 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.”
