The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has announced February 4, 2025, as the date for a nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecommunications service tariffs.
This follows the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) January 20 approval, allowing telecom companies to implement the tariff hike. The decision has been widely condemned by Nigerians, including the NLC.
In a statement on Wednesday, the labour union vowed to mobilize and shut down the country in opposition to the tariff increase, describing it as a move that would further deepen poverty. The protest plan was finalized at the ongoing National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting of the NLC.
The union had earlier rejected the tariff hike on January 22, criticizing the government for approving the increase amid severe economic hardship. NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the decision, stating it prioritizes corporate profits over the welfare of struggling Nigerians.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers has also threatened legal action against the government and telecom operators over the hike.
The government, however, has defended the tariff adjustment, citing rising inflation, which reached 34.80% in December.
