NLC Announces February 4 Protest Against Telecom Tariffs

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for a nationwide mass rally on February 4, 2025, to protest the recent 50 percent hike in telecommunications services approved by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).
Following a meeting of its National Administrative Council (NAC) in Abuja on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the tariff increase, describing it as harsh and unjust, especially as Nigerians grapple with widespread inflation and economic hardship.

In a statement issued after the meeting, Ajaero pointed out that the hike comes at a time when the country’s population is already burdened by skyrocketing prices of petrol, food, electricity tariffs, and general inflation. He emphasized that many Nigerians, earning a minimum wage of N70,000, are struggling to cope with the rising costs.

“The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population,” Ajaero said.

The NLC has instructed all its affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilization for the planned protest, which will include participation from civil society groups. The union is calling for the immediate suspension of the tariff increase and urging the government, National Assembly, and NCC to hold consultations with stakeholders to review the decision.

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The NCC approved the tariff hike after telecommunications operators reported financial losses due to rising operational costs, particularly caused by a weakened naira and higher fuel prices needed to power telecom infrastructure. While the operators had initially requested a 100 percent hike, the government settled on a 50 percent increase.