By Gloria Ikibah
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed the recent approval of a 50 percent increase in telecommunication tariffs by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a statement issued by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the union described the hike as a “harsh burden” on Nigerian workers and the masses already grappling with severe economic challenges.
According to the NLC, the tariff hike disproportionately affects workers and ordinary Nigerians who rely heavily on telecommunication services for daily communication and work. The union noted that with the current minimum wage at ₦70,000, the average worker would now spend approximately 15% of their salary on telecom charges, up from 10%. This, the NLC warned, is unsustainable for most Nigerians.
“The decision to approve a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, while neglecting the plight of citizens struggling with inflation and the rising cost of living, highlights the government’s prioritization of corporate profits over the welfare of its people,” the statement read.
The NLC further criticized the speed with which the government approved the tariff hike, contrasting it with the prolonged delay in implementing the recent minimum wage increase.
The union argued that this disparity reflects a lack of commitment to the welfare of Nigerian citizens and questioned when the government would prioritize the needs of the people it swore to protect.
While acknowledging the need for periodic tariff reviews, the NLC insisted that the approved 50% hike is excessive and called for immediate dialogue to consider a more reasonable increase. The union also called on the National Assembly to intervene and hold the executive accountable for policies that negatively impact the masses.
As part of its response, the NLC urged Nigerian workers and citizens to reject the tariff hike, warning that failure to reverse the decision could lead to collective action, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
“We will not allow policies that entrench poverty and inequality to go unchallenged,” the statement declared. “This is a fight for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.”
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses, vowing to resist policies that undermine their welfare.
For now, all eyes are on the Federal Government and the NCC to see whether they will heed the calls for reconsideration or face the prospect of nationwide protests.