The Nigeria Labour Congress has urged Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services in protest against the Federal Government’s recent approval of a 50% increase in telecom tariffs.
In a statement by its President, Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday, the NLC condemned the tariff hike, describing it as an unjust burden on citizens already grappling with economic challenges.
The labour union expressed concern over the timing of the hike, saying it coincides with rising inflation and declining purchasing power.
The NLC president stated that telecommunication services have become a basic necessity, with the average Nigerian worker spending approximately 10% of their income on telecom charges.
He said, “The Nigeria Labour Congress expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the Federal Government’s recent approval, through the Nigerian Communications Commission, of a 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs.
“This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.
“Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10% of their wages on telecom charges.
“For a worker earning the current minimum wage of ₦70,000, this means an increase from ₦7,000 to a staggering ₦10,500 per month or 15% of his salary — a cost that is unsustainable.”
