The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to resist the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs.
The labour union accused the federal government of prioritizing corporate profits over the welfare of its citizens.
Speaking with journalists at Labour House, Abuja on Wednesday, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, criticized lawmakers for failing to support Nigerians in holding the government accountable for its policies.
The NLC asked why the government increased tariff amid soaring inflation and high cost of living.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the Federal Government’s recent approval, through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), of a 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs.
“This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats,” he said.
The NLC called on “all Nigerian workers and masses to reject this unjustifiable tariff hike. We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunications services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase”.
“This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people. The Nigeria Labour Congress remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses,” he said.
He said, “Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10% of their wages on telecom charges.
“For a worker earning the current minimum wage of ₦70,000, this means an increase from ₦7,000 to a staggering ₦10,500 per month or 15% of his salary—a cost that is unsustainable.
“This hike exemplifies the government’s apparent ease in prioritizing corporate profits over citizens’ welfare.
“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, despite the rising cost of living and inflation eroding purchasing power.
“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. We must ask: When will the government stand for the people it swore to protect?
“If the dialogue agrees on the need for the hike, then, we can all seek a more humane increase and definitely not this 50% hike.
“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 government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests.”
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had approved a tariff increase for telecommunications companies, citing prevailing market conditions.
