NLC Slams FG Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike, Calls for Nationwide Action
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the Federal Government for approving a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, describing it as an unbearable burden on Nigerians already struggling with economic hardship. In a statement issued on Wednesday, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero condemned the decision, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as ill-timed and unjustifiable.
Ajaero lamented that the hike further deepens the suffering of workers and ordinary citizens, adding that it prioritizes corporate profits over the welfare of the masses. He warned that Nigerian workers and citizens would unite in rejecting the tariff hike, potentially through a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
“We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase. This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people,” Ajaero said.
The NLC President described the tariff hike as a direct assault on workers’ welfare, pointing out that telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. He highlighted the fact that an average Nigerian worker already spends about 10% of their wages on telecom charges.
Citing the current minimum wage of ₦70,000, Ajaero explained that the hike would increase telecom expenses from ₦7,000 to ₦10,500 per month, accounting for 15% of workers’ salaries—a cost he called unsustainable.
He criticized the government’s swift approval of the hike, contrasting it with the delay in implementing the new minimum wage despite rising inflation and economic challenges.
“It is shocking that the government approved this 50% tariff increase for telecom companies within a month, yet took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage for workers,” he said. “This glaring disparity underscores a troubling reality: the government appears more aligned with the interests of wealthy corporations than with the needs of the workers and citizens it is meant to serve.”
Ajaero also questioned the role of the National Assembly and called for greater accountability in protecting the interests of Nigerians.
“When will the government stand for the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority?” he asked.
While the NLC is not opposed to a tariff review, Ajaero stressed that the approved 50% increase is excessive and called for a more humane adjustment. He urged the Federal Government, NCC, and National Assembly to suspend the implementation of the hike and initiate a dialogue to reach a fair resolution.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses. We will not allow the people to bear the brunt of policies that further entrench poverty and inequality. Together, we will do our best to resist this injustice and demand that the government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests,” he concluded.
The NLC has called on all Nigerians to reject the tariff hike and prepare for collective action to push for its reversal.
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