![](https://i0.wp.com/roundoffnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/b340e4b8-7801-47ea-b716-46474edb51bc-1.jpeg?resize=313%2C310&ssl=1)
Osamagbe Imadiyi
The Nigerian Labour Congress announced Wednesday, in a statement signed by its National President Joe Ajaero, that it would launch a nationwide protest against the proposed 50% telecom tariff increase announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission on February 4.
On January 29, at the NLC’s National Administrative Council meeting, the decision was made. In a similar vein, civil society organizations have promised to back the nationwide demonstration. Ajaero cautioned that if the increase is not reversed, there may be a nationwide boycott of telecom services.
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Center, and the Take It Back Movement all endorsed the rally, denounced the tariff increase, and promised to take part in the demonstrations.
Despite the telecom operators’ request for a 100% increase, the Federal Government had only authorized a 50% increase. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) responded to the development by rejecting the hike, calling it insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general public already facing increasing economic hardship.
According to Ajaero, “the following resolutions were reached following extensive discussions: The 50% telecom tariff increase was completely rejected by the NAC in session because it is too harsh for the public. Therefore, it vehemently opposes the Nigeria Communications Commission’s choice to authorize the telecommunications tariff increase.
“This decision is disrespectful, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general public, who are already facing increasing economic hardship that was imposed upon them by government policies that were not their fault.”
On February 4, he said, the union would launch a nationwide protest to express disapproval of the government’s decision. All NLC affiliates were instructed by Ajaero to organize their members for the rally. He urged the Federal Government to hold talks with interested parties and called for an immediate halt to the 50% tariff increase. A nationwide boycott of telecommunications services could ensue if this is not done, the labor leader warned.
CISLAC Executive Director Auwal Musa Rafsanjani commented on the planned protest, saying the group will always support the people and “support any action to bring down these prices and reduce the hardship Nigerians are facing.”
“CISLAC will always stand with the people and support the Nigerian people in their fight against the multinational corporations that extort Nigerians and their government collaborators,” he continued.