NLC Calls for Telecom Boycott Over 50% Price Hike

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has urged citizens to boycott telecommunications services in protest of a 50% tariff hike introduced by telecom companies.

NLC President Joe Ajaero announced the boycott during a televised interview on Thursday, condemning the price increase as “unjustifiable” and a further strain on Nigerian workers already struggling with high inflation and stagnant wages.
“The telecom tariff hike is an added burden that the average Nigerian worker cannot bear,” Ajaero said. “This will further deepen the poverty of our people who are already facing the effects of rising inflation, while their wages remain stagnant.”

Ajaero stated that the hike is particularly damaging in the context of Nigeria’s minimum wage agreements, arguing that the new charges undermine the purchasing power of the Nigerian worker, making essential goods and services even less accessible.

The call to boycott has raised concern over how many Nigerians will manage without mobile services. In a country where mobile phones are critical for communication, work, education, and even healthcare, the feasibility of a complete telecom boycott has become a point of contention.

To address these concerns, Ajaero reassured the public that the NLC would develop a workable plan that would allow Nigerians to participate in the protest without significantly disrupting their daily activities. He stressed that the union would engage with relevant stakeholders, including government representatives, telecom providers, and business leaders, to ensure the boycott could be implemented without jeopardizing essential services.

“We are not asking Nigerians to disconnect completely, but we want to send a strong message to the telecom companies that they cannot keep raising prices without regard for the people who sustain their businesses.” Ajaero stated.

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), another major union body, has expressed solidarity with the NLC’s stance. TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro echoed Ajaero’s sentiments, calling the tariff hikes a direct attack on the livelihood of Nigerian workers.