The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has agreed to stage a statewide demonstration on Tuesday, February 4, over the proposed 50% rise in telecom charges.
The countrywide rally was approved during the NLC’s current National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting.
The protest intends to convey a clear message to the government that workers will oppose the proposed rise, which will deepen poverty across the country.
The NLC contends that allowing such a huge tariff increase while Nigerian workers and the general public are suffering extreme economic hardships is a direct attack on their well-being and a disregard for the people in favor of corporate profits.
In a statement titled “50% Telecom Tariff Hike: Another Burden Too Harsh,” NLC President Joe Ajaero stated:
“The NLC expresses unequivocal criticism of the Federal Government’s recent approval of a 50% rise in telecommunications charges by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
“This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are facing unprecedented economic suffering, is a direct assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people by corporate fat cats.
Telecommunication services are crucial for daily communication, employment, and information access. However, the ordinary Nigerian worker currently spends about 10% of their salary on cellular rates.
“For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means a rise from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month, or 15% of his salary—an unsustainable expenditure.
“This hike reflects the government’s apparent willingness to prioritize corporate profits over residents’ welfare.
It is shocking that the government allowed a 50% rate rise for telecom corporations in less than a month, yet it took nearly a year to approve the most current minimum wage for workers, despite rising living costs and inflation reducing purchasing power.
“This obvious difference highlights a serious truth. The government appears to prioritize the interests of affluent businesses over the requirements of the workers and populations it is supposed to serve.
We must question, “When will the government stand up for the people it swore to protect?”
“When will the National Assembly take responsibility and hold the administration accountable for actions that clearly impair the welfare of the majority? When will the average guy in Nigeria breathe a sigh of relief?
“We 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 the hike.”