The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to hold a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in protest of the 50% telecom tariff increase recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The decision to organize the rally was made at an emergency meeting of the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) on Wednesday, and was confirmed in a communique signed by NLC president Joe Ajaero.
The NLC expressed strong opposition to the tariff hike, calling it unfair and damaging to a population already struggling with the economic burden of a ₦70,000 minimum wage, soaring petrol prices, rising food costs, increased electricity tariffs, and persistent inflation. The rally is intended as a warning against imposing such a steep increase on Nigerians who are already facing significant hardship.
The Congress has instructed its affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilization for the protest and invited civil society organizations to join the efforts.
In the statement, the NLC urged all Nigerian workers, members of the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against what it deems an unjust policy. The NLC’s NAC rejected the 50% telecom tariff hike, condemning the NCC’s decision as “insensitive,” “unjustifiable,” and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and citizens already burdened by the government’s economic policies.
The NLC has called for the immediate suspension of the tariff increase and urged the Federal Government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with key stakeholders to review the decision, taking into account the challenging economic conditions faced by Nigerians.
The Congress also warned that if its demands are not met, it would escalate its actions. This could include a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass protests, possibly involving a full withdrawal of services in resistance to policies that contribute to poverty and inequality.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress is committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies,” the statement said. “We will not relent in our fight against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people. Nigerian workers and citizens must unite to prevent further economic oppression.”
The NLC also emphasized the need to resist policies that prioritize corporate profits over the well-being of the people.
On January 20, the NCC announced the approval of the 50% tariff increase for telecom operators, justifying the move by citing ongoing industry reforms aimed at ensuring sustainability. While the increase was lower than the over 100% requested by some operators, the NCC stated that the adjustment was made under its regulatory powers as outlined in Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 (NCA). The price adjustment will remain within the tariff bands specified in the 2013 NCC Cost Study, and future tariff reviews will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
