NLC Announces Nationwide Protests Against Telecom Tariff Increase

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is set to hold nationwide rallies to oppose the recent hike in telecom tariffs. Learn more about the planned protests and their demands.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) announced plans to hold a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. This demonstration is in response to the recent approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) of a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs.

A statement signed by NLC president Joe Ajaero on Wednesday indicated that the decision was made during an emergency meeting held by the union’s National Administrative Council (NAC) on that same day.

The NLC stated that the rally would act as a caution against implementing such an unjust increase on a population already struggling with a minimum wage of just ₦70,000. This same population has endured excessive surges in petrol prices, soaring food costs, increased electricity tariffs, and overall rising inflation.

It instructed its affiliates and state councils to commence full mobilization in anticipation of the nationwide protest rally, urging supportive civil society allies to also participate in the preparation.

The Congress also urged all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to unite in opposition to what it described as an unjust policy.

The NLC announced that its NAC-in-session has completely rejected the 50% increase in telecom tariffs, viewing it as excessively burdensome for citizens.

It strongly criticizes the decision by the Nigeria Communications Commission to approve an increase in telecommunications tariffs.

The union stated, “This decision is insensitive and unjustifiable. It directly targets Nigerian workers and the general public, who are already suffering from worsening economic hardships imposed by government policies beyond their control.”

The NLC called for the immediate suspension of the 50% tariff increase.

It urged the Federal Government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful discussions with key stakeholders to reassess the proposed tariff adjustment in light of Nigeria’s current economic conditions.

The Congress warned that if this advice is ignored, it will intensify its efforts, potentially organizing a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and initiating further mass actions. This may include withdrawing our service across the country to oppose policies that worsen poverty and inequality.

The Nigeria Labour Congress is dedicated to safeguarding the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens from exploitative economic policies.

We will persist in our fight against policies that harm the welfare and dignity of our people. Nigerian workers and citizens must come together to prevent further economic oppression.

The union emphasized the need to oppose any policy that places corporate profits above people’s well-being.

On January 20, the NCC revealed its approval for a 50% tariff increase for telecom operators in the country.

In a statement, Reuben Muoka, a spokesperson for the regulator, said that although some network operators had requested an increase of more than 100%, the price adjustment was determined by considering current industry reforms that are expected to positively impact sustainability.

The regulator stated that the increase was in accordance with its authority under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA), which allows it to regulate and approve tariff rates and charges set by telecommunications operators.

“The statement indicated that these adjustments will stay within the tariff bands outlined in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, with requests being assessed individually according to the Commission’s usual procedure for reviewing tariffs. Implementation will strictly follow the newly released NCC Guidance on Tariff Simplification for 2024.”