Labour Slams Nigerian Govt Over Telecom Tariff Hike, Accuses It of Favoring Corporate Cartels

Nigerian labour unions criticize the government for approving telecom tariff hikes, alleging it prioritizes corporate interests over citizens’ welfare amid economic hardship.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the Federal Government’s decision to increase telecom tariffs by 50 percent, calling it an added burden on the already struggling population.

In a statement provided to our reporter in Abuja, the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero, expressed his views on the Federal Government’s recent approval via the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). He remarked that this decision comes at a time when Nigerian workers and citizens are facing unprecedented economic challenges.

Ajaero also warned that all Nigerian workers and the general public will come together to oppose the unwarranted tariff increase.

He emphasized the need for citizens to get ready for collective action, potentially including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, in order to force the reversal of this punitive hike. This is crucial for our dignity, rights, and survival as a community,” he stated.

He also characterized the decision as a blatant attack on workers’ welfare and a betrayal of the people in favor of corporate magnates.

Ajaero states that telecommunication services are vital for everyday communication, work, and accessing information. However, the typical Nigerian worker already allocates about 10 percent of their salary to telecom expenses.

Expressing concern about the situation, the NLC President contended that for a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this translates to an increase from N7,000 to a substantial N10,500 per month or 15 percent of their salary.

He stated that the increase highlights how readily the government seems to prioritize corporate profits over citizens’ well-being.

Ajaero expressed surprise at the government’s swift approval of a 50% tariff increase for telecom companies in just one month, while it took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage hike for workers, even though rising living costs and inflation have been reducing purchasing power.

This stark difference highlights a concerning reality: the government seems to prioritize the interests of wealthy corporations over the needs of workers and citizens it is supposed to serve.

We need to question: When will the government fulfill its obligation to protect its citizens? At what point will the National Assembly take on its duty and hold the executive accountable for policies that clearly harm the majority’s welfare? When can ordinary Nigerians finally breathe a sigh of relief?

He emphasized that the NLC is not against a tariff review, but they do not agree with the approved rate of increase.

Ajaero called on the Federal government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to halt the implementation of this ill-conceived increase in order to facilitate a reasonable discussion about it.

If we all agree on the need for an increase, then we can pursue a more reasonable and humane adjustment rather than opting for this 50% hike.

The NLC urges all Nigerian workers and citizens to oppose this unjust tariff increase. We encourage everyone to get ready for unified action, which might include a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, in order to force the reversal of this burdensome hike. This is essential for our dignity, rights, and survival as a community.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress is steadfast in advocating for the rights of Nigerian workers and the general populace. We refuse to let policies that deepen poverty and inequality unfairly impact our people. United, we will strive to oppose this injustice and call on the government to prioritize its citizens’ interests above corporate agendas,” he stated.