NLC Rejects 50% Telecom Tariff Hike, Demands Reversal

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recent 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs, expressing concerns about its potential impact on the Nigerian populace.

On Wednesday, Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), issued a statement titled “50 per cent Telecom Tariff Hike: Another Burden Too Harsh” in Abuja, condemning the recent increase in telecommunication tariffs.

Mr. Ajaero stated that the NLC unequivocally condemns 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.

“Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately ten per cent of their wages on telecom charges,” he said.

According to Mr. Ajaero, for a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs translates to an increase in their monthly expenses from N7,000 to a substantial N10,500. This equates to 15% of their salary, an unsustainable cost for many.

“This hike exemplifies the government’s apparent ease in prioritising corporate profits over citizens’ welfare,” Ajaero said.

Mr. Ajaero expressed shock at the government’s swift approval of the 50% tariff increase for telecom companies within a month.

“It 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?

“When will the National Assembly rise to its responsibility and hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority?” he questioned.

He therefore called for a halt to the immediate implementation of the recent tariff increase. He believes a proper discussion is needed to determine if a price hike is truly necessary and, if so, to ensure a more reasonable and gradual increase, not a drastic 50%.

He urged the National Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Assembly to reconsider this decision.

He also encouraged all Nigerian workers and citizens to oppose this significant tariff increase.

He encouraged citizens to consider collective action, including a potential nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, as a means of pressuring the government to reverse the excessive tariff increase.

“This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.

“The NLC 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 government prioritises the interests of its citizens over corporate interests,” he added.

 

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