The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the federal government and telecommunications companies for approving a 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs, labeling it an attack on Nigerians’ welfare amid the soaring cost of living,Daily Trust reports.
Speaking at Labour House in Abuja on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the tariff increase as prioritizing corporate profits over citizens’ well-being. While acknowledging the challenges of inflation, he rejected the approved rate, calling for an immediate halt to its implementation.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress unequivocally condemns the Federal Government’s recent approval, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), of a 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs,” Ajaero said. “This decision, made during a time of unprecedented economic hardship, is an assault on the welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens, leaving them at the mercy of corporate profiteers.”
ALSO READ: Shettima sure Boko Haram would be conquered
Ajaero also criticized the National Assembly for failing to represent Nigerians’ interests in critical policy decisions. He noted the lack of dialogue with key stakeholders before announcing the tariff hike and questioned the government’s priorities.
“Telecommunication services are essential for communication, work, and access to information,” Ajaero stated. “Yet, an average Nigerian worker, earning the ₦70,000 minimum wage, already spends about 10% of their income on telecom charges. This tariff hike would increase their monthly telecom expense from ₦7,000 to ₦10,500—15% of their salary—an unsustainable burden.”
He highlighted the government’s swift approval of the telecom tariff hike compared to its sluggish response in implementing a long-overdue minimum wage increase, underscoring a perceived bias toward corporate interests over public welfare.
“When will the government prioritize the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly hold the executive accountable for policies that undermine the majority’s welfare? When will the common Nigerian find relief?” Ajaero asked.
The NLC called for the immediate suspension of the tariff hike and demanded a broader dialogue involving all stakeholders to agree on a more reasonable adjustment, if necessary.
“We are not opposed to a tariff review, but a 50% increase is excessive and unjustifiable,” Ajaero emphasized. “If dialogue proves the need for a hike, it must be a humane increase—not this punitive measure.”
Ajaero warned of potential mass action, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to force the reversal of the tariff increase.
“The NLC urges Nigerian workers and citizens to reject this unjustifiable hike,” he declared. “Prepare for collective action, including a nationwide telecom boycott, to demand a reversal. This is about our dignity, rights, and survival as a people.”
He reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to defending Nigerians against policies that deepen poverty and inequality. “We will not allow policies that entrench hardship to go unchallenged. Together, we will resist this injustice and push for a government that places citizens’ welfare above corporate interests,” Ajaero concluded.
4o
