The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned the Federal Government against implementing a telecommunications service charge that contradicts the agreement reached with a 10-man committee, threatening a nationwide protest if the terms are violated.

At its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, the NLC reaffirmed its stance against the telecom tariff hike, stating that all affiliates must be on high alert for mass action if the government fails to honor the February 21, 2025, agreement. The agreement had reduced the initially proposed 50% hike to 35%, but the congress remains wary of potential breaches.

The NLC expressed concerns over a history of broken agreements and warned that any deviation from the agreed terms by March 1, 2025, would prompt swift enforcement of the Central Working Committee’s February 10, 2025, directive.

Beyond the telecom issue, the NLC also condemned the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) reclassification of electricity consumers, describing it as a deceptive move to impose unfair tariff increases under the guise of service improvement. The union accused NERC of subjecting Nigerians to an unjustifiable financial burden, calling the action “economic violence” against the working class.

The congress also criticized the ruling elite’s alignment with global monopolistic capital, blaming continuous tariff hikes, increased taxation, and policies favoring the wealthy for worsening economic hardship. It warned that any further increase in electricity tariffs would be met with mass resistance and mobilization for nationwide protests.

In addition to economic grievances, the NLC addressed the state of the Labour Party, directing its National Administrative Council to take immediate steps—including rebranding, mergers, or coalitions—to restore the party to its original ideological foundation. The congress vowed not to allow the Labour Party to be hijacked by forces that do not represent the interests of Nigerian workers and the general populace.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting workers’ rights and opposing exploitative policies, the NLC called on affiliates and progressive allies to remain vigilant and prepared for collective action against policies deemed harmful to Nigerians.