The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide protest set for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in response to the Federal Government’s approval of a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs.
The move, described as “insensitive and unjustifiable,” has ignited outrage among Nigerian workers and citizens already struggling with the rising cost of living.
The announcement came after an emergency meeting of the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC) on Wednesday. Addressing the press, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the tariff hike as a “direct assault” on Nigerians, many of whom are barely surviving under worsening economic conditions.
Telecom operators had initially pushed for a 100% increase, citing rising operational costs. The Federal Government’s compromise—approving a 50% hike—has done little to calm public frustration. Instead, it has fueled anger among Nigerians who are already reeling from soaring food prices, increased electricity tariffs, and the lingering impact of the petrol subsidy removal.
“For a population earning a minimum wage of just N70,000, this is an outrageous burden,” Ajaero said. “People are barely getting by. They’ve endured fuel price hikes, higher costs of living, and now, an increase in the cost of staying connected? It’s unacceptable.”
To resist what it calls an “unjust policy,” the NLC has directed all its affiliates and state councils to begin mobilization efforts. Civil society organizations and the informal sector have also been urged to join the mass action.
“The rally on February 4 is not just a protest; it’s a warning,” Ajaero stated. “If the government fails to act, we will escalate our actions, including a nationwide boycott of telecom services.”
The call for a boycott underscores the power of collective resistance in an era where mobile communication is essential for everything from business transactions to accessing government services. If executed on a large scale, a telecom blackout could have a significant economic impact, putting pressure on both the government and service providers to reconsider the hike.
The NLC has demanded an immediate suspension of the tariff increase and urged the Federal Government to engage in urgent dialogue with key stakeholders.
“Nigerians should not have to pay the price for economic mismanagement,” Ajaero stressed. “We need policies that support the people, not ones that push them further into hardship.”
