The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday issued a directive to its affiliates to remain on high alert for mass action if the Federal Government goes ahead with implementing the telecommunications services charge in violation of the agreement reached by the 10-man committee.
The decision was made by the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) during a meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, where the congress also inaugurated Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-driven Mass Transit Buses for the North East Zone and deliberated on the ongoing economic challenges faced by Nigerian workers.
In a statement released on Sunday, the NLC cautioned that any further increase in electricity tariffs would face strong opposition. It also called on all industrial unions and progressive allies to prepare for decisive mass action against policies detrimental to the people.
“Following an extensive discussion on the critical threats facing the working class and the broader Nigerian population, the NEC-in-session resolved as follows: regarding the 35% tariff hike on telecommunications services, NEC acknowledges the agreement reached on February 21, 2025, between the NLC and the Federal Government through the Joint 10-man Committee, which reduced the initially proposed tariff hike from 50% to 35%,” the statement read.
“However, the Congress remains vigilant, recognizing the long history of unfulfilled promises. NEC unequivocally warns that should the implementation of the agreement on March 1, 2025, fail to align with what was agreed, the National Administrative Council is mandated to take immediate action to enforce compliance, as directed by the Central Working Committee on February 10, 2025.”
The NLC has been engaged in ongoing discussions with the Federal Government over the recent increase in telecommunications tariffs imposed by telecom companies in the country.
On the issue of electricity tariff hikes, the communiqué stated, “NEC firmly rejects the ongoing reclassification of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which seeks to forcibly move consumers from lower bands to Band A under the pretense of service improvements. In reality, this is a tactic to impose unjustified extortion on the masses.”
“This systematic exploitation, condoned by the Ministry of Power, constitutes economic violence against both the working class and the broader Nigerian populace. The ruling elite, acting as enforcers of global monopoly capital, seem determined to deepen the suffering of the Nigerian people through continuous tariff hikes, increased taxes, and relentless economic strangulation.”
“While inflation continues to soar, wages remain stagnant, and the cost of living becomes unbearable, the ruling class continues to shift the burden of their fiscal mismanagement onto the already impoverished working masses,” the statement added.
The NLC further warned, “Any attempt to increase electricity tariffs will be met with massive resistance. We are prepared to mobilize for nationwide protests if the Ministry of Power and NERC proceed with this exploitative plan. The NLC will not remain passive while Nigerian citizens are subjected to the profiteering actions of capitalist elites and their government collaborators.”
The statement went on to reaffirm the NLC’s historical responsibility to resist all forms of exploitation and oppression. “We call on all affiliates, industrial unions, and progressive allies to stay on high alert and be ready to take part in decisive mass action against all anti-people policies.”
“The Congress reiterates that no society can thrive under a regime of corporate greed and neoliberal oppression. Nigerian workers must remain resolute, organized, and unyielding in the collective struggle for a fair and just Nigeria, where the dominance of the elite at the expense of the masses is minimized to create socioeconomic balance.”
Addressing the state of the Labour Party, the statement added, “After carefully examining the recent issues within the Labour Party, which was originally created by the NLC, and the lack of transparency surrounding its activities, the NEC-in-session has directed the National Administrative Council to take immediate steps to address the situation.
These steps may include rebranding, merging, or forming coalitions to defend the interests of the NLC and Nigerian workers within the party, with the aim of reclaiming the party and restoring its original ideological foundation.”
“The Congress will not allow the Labour Party to be hijacked by reactionary forces that do not represent the aspirations of the working class and the Nigerian people. The NLC remains committed to ensuring that the party stays true to its role as a vehicle for the emancipation of Nigerian workers and the oppressed masses.”
