The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s approval of a 50% telecom tariff hike, describing it as an additional burden on the already suffering masses. NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, argued that this increase comes at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship .
Ajaero emphasized that telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information, yet an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10% of their wages on telecom charges. The proposed hike would increase this burden significantly, with a worker earning the minimum wage of ₦70,000 seeing their telecom expenses rise from ₦7,000 to ₦10,500 per month .
The NLC has threatened to mobilize its members to resist this alleged injustice, potentially leading to a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services. Ajaero urged citizens to prepare for collective action, stating that this fight is for the dignity, rights, and survival of the Nigerian people .
The NLC is not opposed to a tariff review but disagrees with the approved rate of increase. Ajaero called on the Federal government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to halt the implementation of this hike and engage in a reasonable conversation around it .
It’s worth noting that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has announced that the new tariff regime will see a 50% increase in the cost of calls, data, and SMS, with the average price of calls rising to N16.5 per minute .
