The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the approval of the 50 percent increase in telecommunication tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) granted approval to telecommunications companies (telcos) to implement a 50 percent tariff increase.
The hike, which raised call rates from N12 to N18 per minute and SMS charges from 4 to N6, also increases data costs from N300 to over N400 per gigabyte. While operators cite rising operational costs, inflation, and foreign exchange volatility as justification, critics argue that the burden of inefficiencies is being unfairly transferred to subscribers.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, urged the federal government, the NCC and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of what it described, as ill-advised hike to allow a reasonable conversation around it.
“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”.
“For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month, or 15 percent of his salary—a cost that is unsustainable”.
“This hike exemplifies the government’s apparent ease in prioritizing corporate profits over citizens’ welfare.”
Ajaero clarified that the labour body is not opposed to tariff reviews but is not in support of 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”.
“The NLC calls on all Nigerian workers and masses to reject this unjustifiable tariff hike.”
He called on citizens to prepare for collective action, including a possible nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
Ajaero said the initiative would push for the reversal of the tariff increase, describing it as essential for “our dignity, our rights, and our survival” as a people.
Meanwhile, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) said it was crucial that the approved 50 percent adjustment in telecommunications tariffs, directly translate into demonstrable and tangible service enhancements for consumers.