When Will Nigerians Heave A Sigh Of Relief? – NLC Condemns Tariff Hike Approval For Telecoms Operators

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recent approval for a tariff hike given to telecommunications operators in the country by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The NLC, in a statement on Wednesday by its president, Joe Ajaero, condemned the tariff increase, labelling it as a harsh development and another burden on Nigerians.

The NLC accused the government of prioritizing corporate profits over the welfare of its citizens.

Ajaero in the statement, accused the government at all levels of failing to protect the interest of the citizens and making life more difficult for the common man.

The statement reads: “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. 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.

“This hike exemplifies the government’s apparent ease in prioritizing corporate profits over citizens’ welfare. It is shocking that the government approved this 50% tariff increase for telecom companies within a month, yet took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage for workers, despite the rising cost of living and inflation eroding purchasing power. 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.

“We must ask: When will the government stand for the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly rise to its responsibility and hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority? When will the common man heave a sigh of relief in Nigeria?

The NLC however clarified that it is not opposed to the upward review of telecoms tariff but is opposed to the figure and lack of consultation before announcing it.

It threatened to mobilize for nationwide action against telecom operators to force a reduction in the tariff and vowed to always defend the interest of Nigerian workers and the masses.

“NLC is not opposed to a tariff review but disagrees with the approved rate of increase. We therefore call on the government, the NCC and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of this ill-advised hike to allow a reasonable conversation around it. If the dialogue agrees on the need for the hike, then, we can all seek a more humane increase and definitely not this 50% hike.

“The NLC calls on all Nigerian workers and masses to reject this unjustifiable tariff hike. We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase. This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses. We will not allow the people to bear the brunt of policies that further entrench poverty and inequality. Together, we will do our best to resist this injustice and demand that government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests,” the statement added.