By John Audu
Abuja – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to resist a recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, threatening a nationwide boycott of telecom services if the government does not reverse the decision.
In a statement released on Tuesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the Nigerian government for prioritizing corporate profits over the welfare of its citizens. He accused lawmakers of failing to adequately represent the interests of Nigerians and hold the government accountable for its policies.
“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,” Ajaero stated.
He emphasized that telecommunications services are essential for daily life and questioned the timing of the hike amidst soaring inflation and the high cost of living.
“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,” Ajaero said. “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.”
The NLC has urged all Nigerian workers and citizens to reject the tariff hike and prepare for collective action, including a potential nationwide boycott of telecom services.
“We will not allow the people to bear the brunt of policies that further entrench poverty and inequality,” Ajaero declared. “Together, we will do our best to resist this injustice and demand that government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests.”
This comes after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs on Monday, citing prevailing market conditions.
