NLC leads nationwide protest Feb 4 over telecom tariff hike

In a communiqué signed by its President Joe Ajaero, the NLC said the February 4 rally would serve as a warning to the government to reverse the tariff hike.

The NLC directed all its affiliate unions to begin mobilisation ahead of the nationwide protest.

It threatened a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, including withdrawal of service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality if the government failed to reverse the increase.

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The communique reads: “NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50% telecom tariff hike which it considers as too harsh for citizens. It therefore strongly condemns the NCC’s decision to approve the increase in telecommunications tariffs.

“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by policies of government which was no fault of theirs.

“To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000; a population that has suffered outrageous hike in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff and general rising inflation.

“All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilisation in preparation for the February 4, 2025, nationwide protest rally. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the preparation. The Congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy.

“NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50% tariff hike. It calls on the Federal Government, the NCC and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment within the context of the economic realities facing Nigerians.

“Should these not be heeded, the NLC will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality.”