By Hobnob News
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest set for February 4, 2025, to oppose the recent 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). The decision, which was communicated through a statement signed by NLC National President Joe Ajaero, was reached during the National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting on January 29.
Labour leaders, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups have voiced their strong opposition to the tariff hike, describing it as an excessive burden on Nigerian citizens already struggling with economic hardships. In a bid to resist the policy, the NLC has not only called for mass demonstrations but has also hinted at the possibility of a nationwide telecom services boycott should the government refuse to reconsider the increase.
Rising Opposition Against the Tariff Hike
The announcement has drawn support from various civil society organizations, including the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), and the Take It Back Movement. These groups have pledged full participation in the upcoming demonstrations, emphasizing the need for government intervention to prevent further economic distress among Nigerians.
The Federal Government had initially approved the tariff adjustment following demands from telecom operators who originally sought a 100 per cent increase. However, the 50 per cent hike remains a contentious issue, as labour unions insist that it is unjustifiable.
In his statement, Ajaero strongly condemned the NCC’s decision, asserting that it is an act of insensitivity towards Nigerian workers and the general populace. He stated,
“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship caused by government policies beyond their control.”
NLC’s Nationwide Protest Plan
As part of the action plan, Ajaero has directed all NLC affiliates across the country to mobilize their members for the February 4 rally. He encouraged willing civil society allies to participate actively in the demonstration, emphasizing that this movement seeks to protect the interests of Nigerians.
“All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilization in preparation for the nationwide protest rally. We call on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy,” he urged.
Ajaero also demanded an immediate suspension of the tariff hike and called for meaningful dialogue between the Federal Government, NCC, and key stakeholders. He warned that failure to heed this demand might lead to further escalations, including a complete telecom services boycott.
“If our concerns are ignored, we will escalate our actions, including a possible nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and other mass actions, up to and including a nationwide withdrawal of services, to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality,” he added.
Civil Society Organizations Lend Their Voices
CISLAC’s Executive Director, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, reaffirmed the organization’s stance, stating that it would always stand with the Nigerian people against economic exploitation.
“CISLAC will always support Nigerians against multinational corporations and their collaborators within the government who are extorting the people. We will continue to uphold efforts to ensure that the welfare of Nigerians and their living conditions improve. Whatever the NLC has decided, CISLAC will stand behind any action that helps the masses and alleviates their suffering,” Rafsanjani stated.
Similarly, the Director of Mobilization for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, declared that his organization played a key role in pushing the NLC into action. “We stand for the reversal of the tariff hike, unequivocally. We are not asking for a reduction, but a total reversal,” he emphasized.
The Executive Director of the NCSCN, Blessing Akinlosotu, also echoed concerns about the tariff hike, stating that his organization had officially notified the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council (FCCPC) about its planned demonstrations.
“We have submitted an official letter to the FCCPC, expressing our displeasure over this unjustified increase. Over 20 different organizations within our network have written similar complaints. We plan to begin picketing the FCCPC office starting Monday,” he revealed.
Akinlosotu further condemned the economic policies of the government, highlighting that Nigerians are already dealing with increased costs of petrol, electricity, and food. “The economy is unfriendly to the poor masses. Fuel prices have skyrocketed, electricity tariffs have surged, and now, even staying connected with loved ones will become a financial strain. This is the height of economic suffocation,” he lamented.
Telecom Operators and Subscribers React
Meanwhile, telecom operators and industry stakeholders have pushed back against the NLC’s stance, arguing that the tariff increase is necessary to maintain the quality of service and ensure industry sustainability.
Chairman of the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), Tony Emoekpere, questioned why the NLC was targeting the telecom sector while price hikes in other sectors have gone unchallenged.
“When the prices of tomatoes, onions, or bread increased, did we see any protests? No one took to the streets when transport fares rose due to increasing fuel costs,” Emoekpere remarked.
He emphasized that telecom operators have absorbed financial pressures for years and that the tariff adjustment was essential for improved service delivery.
“This is not simply an increase; it is meant to coincide with improvements in service quality. If the industry is not allowed to thrive, it will be unable to meet consumer demands. Remember, this is a private sector service, not a government agency,” he stated.
On the other hand, the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS) has acknowledged the need for a tariff adjustment but has suggested a reduction to 10 per cent instead of the approved 50 per cent increase. The association had engaged in discussions with the NCC and other stakeholders but was unable to reach a compromise.
National President of NATCOMS, Sina Bilesanmi, dismissed the NLC’s planned protest, insisting that the 50 per cent increase was final and irreversible. He maintained that the adjustment was the result of extensive consultations between the NCC, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and telecom operators.
“The 50 per cent hike has been implemented and is here to stay. There’s no need for protests or further action,” Bilesanmi said.
He criticized the NLC for getting involved in the issue, arguing that its focus should be on workers’ welfare rather than telecom pricing disputes. “This is not their area of concern. They should focus on workers’ welfare. The NCC has engaged the appropriate stakeholders, and we were all part of those meetings,” he added.
Bilesanmi further suggested that previous resistance to tariff adjustments had hindered industry growth. “Where was the NLC when we were negotiating with telcos and former ministers over this issue? Now, after extensive deliberations, a decision has been made, and we stand by it,” he concluded.
The Road Ahead
As February 4 approaches, tensions are expected to rise as both sides remain steadfast in their positions. With labour unions mobilizing for mass protests and telecom operators defending their need for tariff adjustments, the nation waits to see how the government will respond to the unfolding crisis.
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