The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the federal government’s approval of a 50% hike in telecom tariffs, calling it an unjustifiable burden on the nation’s workers and the public.
In a statement signed by the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero on Wednesday, the union expressed outrage over the decision, which they argue will worsen the economic hardship already faced by millions of Nigerians.
“The 50% increase is a direct assault on the welfare of Nigerian workers,” Ajaero said. He emphasized that many workers already spend a significant portion of their wages—approximately 10%—on telecommunication services. For someone earning the minimum wage of ₦70,000, the hike will push their telecom expenditure from ₦7,000 to ₦10,500, amounting to 15% of their salary.”
Ajaero criticised the government for prioritizing corporate profits over the people’s well-being, pointing out that telecom companies received a swift approval for the tariff increase, while the minimum wage adjustment took nearly a year. “When will the government stand for the people it swore to protect?” Ajaero questioned.
While the NLC is not against a tariff review, it insists that the increase is excessive and harmful. The union is calling on the government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to halt the implementation of the hike. They are also urging Nigerians to prepare for collective action, including a potential nationwide boycott, to force a reversal of the decision.
“We will not allow the people to bear the brunt of policies that entrench poverty and inequality,” Ajaero stated.
