Nigeria Labour Congress plans nationwide rally over telecom price hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to hold a nationwide rally on February 4, 2025, in protest against the 50% hike in telecom services imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

NLC President Joe Ajaero made the announcement following the National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting in Abuja, where the hike was deemed too harsh for Nigerian citizens.

In a communique, Ajaero stated that the NLC strongly opposed the tariff increase, which he described as arbitrary and unjust. He emphasized that the rally would serve as a warning against the detrimental effects of the hike on a struggling population, particularly those earning a minimum wage of N70,000, who are already facing a cost-of-living crisis due to rising fuel prices, food costs, electricity tariffs, and inflation.

Ajaero also confirmed that all NLC affiliates and state councils have been directed to prepare for the protest. The rally aims to unite workers, the informal sector, and the general public in solidarity against the policy.

He called for the immediate suspension of the tariff increase and urged the federal government, NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in dialogue with relevant stakeholders for a review of the decision.

“Should these not be heeded, the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.

“Others are further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality,” said Mr Ajaero. He added that the NLC remained committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies. “We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people,” he said.