NLC Threatens Boycott of Telecom Services Over 50% Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rallied Nigerians to reject the recently approved 50 percent telecommunication tariff hike by the federal government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). In a statement titled “50% Telecom tariff hike: Another burden too harsh!”, NLC President Joe Ajaero voiced strong opposition to this increase, describing it as an assault on the welfare of Nigerian workers and the general populace at a time of economic distress.

Ajaero condemned the decision, highlighting the essential nature of telecommunication services for daily activities, work, and information access. He pointed out that with the current minimum wage of N70,000, the hike would push monthly telecom expenses from N7,000 to N10,500, representing an unsustainable 15 percent of a worker’s salary.

The NLC criticized the government’s prioritization of corporate profits over citizens’ welfare, noting the stark contrast where it took nearly a year to approve a new minimum wage amidst inflation, yet only a month to approve a significant tariff increase for telecom companies. This disparity, according to Ajaero, raises questions about whose interests the government truly serves.

The NLC’s statement demands that the government, NCC, and the National Assembly halt the implementation of the tariff hike to allow for a more reasonable dialogue. If a hike is justified after discussions, they suggest a more humane increase rather than the proposed 50 percent.

The union is calling for collective action, potentially including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to push back against this decision. They urge citizens to stand together in this fight for dignity, rights, and survival against policies that deepen poverty and inequality.

The NLC’s stance is clear: they are committed to defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses, vowing not to let the people suffer further from policies that favor corporate interests over public welfare. They are prepared to resist this injustice, advocating for a government that prioritizes its citizens’ needs over those of big corporations.