The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest on February 4 to oppose the 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
On January 20, the NCC granted telecom operators approval to raise tariffs by 50%, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from NLC President, Joe Ajaero. He described the hike as a “clear assault” on Nigerian workers’ welfare and urged the federal government to immediately suspend the increase.
In a statement on Wednesday, the NLC said the protest would serve as a warning against imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population. The congress has directed its affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilisation for the demonstration and has invited civil society groups to join the movement.
Condemning the NCC’s decision, the NLC labeled it as “insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on workers and citizens”, especially amid worsening economic hardship.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to defending Nigerian workers and citizens from exploitative economic policies,” the statement reads.
The NLC vowed to resist any policy that prioritizes corporate profits over the well-being of Nigerians and urged citizens to unite in pushing back against further economic oppression.
