The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed all its affiliate unions and state chapters to immediately begin mobilization ahead of a nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
The protest, according to NLC President Joe Ajaero, is aimed at forcing the federal government to reverse the recent 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs, which the union describes as insensitive, unjustifiable, and an assault on Nigerian workers and the general public amid the worsening cost of living crisis.
NLC Rejects Telecom Tariff Hike
Speaking at the Labour House in Abuja after a meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC), Ajaero condemned the tariff increase, warning that it would further burden Nigerians who are already struggling with rising inflation, high fuel prices, increased electricity tariffs, and economic hardship.
“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,” Ajaero stated while reading the communiqué issued at the end of the meeting.
Nationwide Mobilization Begins
All NLC state councils and affiliates have been instructed to commence full mobilization for the February 4 protest, with civil society groups also encouraged to join the movement. The NLC further called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and the National Assembly to engage in a meaningful dialogue with stakeholders to reconsider the tariff adjustment in light of the current economic realities.
Threat of More Actions if Demands Are Ignored
The NLC warned that failure to reverse the tariff increase could lead to escalated actions, including a possible nationwide boycott of telecommunications services and further mass protests.
“Should these not be heeded, we may resort to a nationwide withdrawal of our services to resist policies that worsen poverty and inequality,” the communiqué stated.
The labour union reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerian workers from exploitative economic policies, vowing to resist any move that prioritizes corporate profits over the welfare of citizens.
“Nigerians must unite and resist any policy that deepens economic oppression and hardship,” Ajaero emphasized.
