by Godwin Orozo-
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in response to the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The decision was made after an emergency meeting of the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) in Abuja on Wednesday, where the union strongly condemned the tariff hike as “insensitive and unjustifiable.”
Speaking on behalf of the congress, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described the tariff increase as a “direct assault on Nigerian workers” who are already struggling with inflation, high food prices, rising electricity tariffs, and the lingering impact of fuel subsidy removal.
“This decision by the NCC is unacceptable and will only worsen the hardship faced by Nigerian workers and the general public,” Ajaero said. “How can the government justify this increase when millions of Nigerians are barely surviving on a ₦70,000 minimum wage?”
The NLC had earlier rejected the NCC’s approval of the tariff hike and demanded its immediate suspension. However, with no response from the government, the union has now mobilized for mass action
In a communique signed by Ajaero and made available to Paparazzi Online, the NLC has directed all affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilization for the nationwide protest.
“To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on February 4, 2025. This is a warning against unfair policies that further burden a struggling population,” the statement read.
The labour union also warned of escalated actions if the government fails to reverse the tariff increase.
“If the government refuses to listen, we may call for a nationwide boycott of telecom services and further mass actions, including an industrial strike, to resist policies that deepen poverty and inequality,” the statement added.
The NLC urged all Nigerian workers, civil society groups, and the general public to stand in solidarity against what it called a “reckless policy” and demanded immediate dialogue with key stakeholders to address the concerns of Nigerians.
