50% tariff hike: Nigeria’s labour union declares nationwide protest

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January 29, 2025
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2 min read
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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)has announced plans for a nationwide protest on February 4 over the recent 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs. 

The NLC made this known in a communiqué issued after its National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting on Wednesday, January 29. The decision follows the approval of the tariff hike by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which the labour union has condemned as insensitive given the country's current economic hardship.  

In a strongly worded statement released on January 22,  the NLC criticised the move, labelling it a "clear assault on the welfare of Nigerians" and an abandonment of the people in favour of corporate interests.  

"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," the statement read.  

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While acknowledging the need for periodic tariff reviews, the union rejected the extent of the increase, insisting that any adjustments must be reasonable and fair.  

"We therefore call on the government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of this ill-advised hike to allow a reasonable conversation around it," the NLC stated. "If dialogue agrees on the need for an increase, it must be more humane—not this outrageous 50% hike."

The labour body also urged Nigerians to prepare for collective action, including a potential nationwide boycott of telecom services if the government fails to reverse the hike.  

Telecom providers in the country had in December 2024 proposed a 100% increase in tariffs, citing inflation and currency devaluation as major challenges. However, the NCC approved a much lower 50% hike earlier this month, a decision that has now sparked widespread backlash from labour unions and consumers.  

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Amidst uncertainty, all eyes are now on the government and telecom regulators to see if they will reconsider the decision or brace for nationwide protests that could disrupt the country’s economic activities

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