The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero on Wednesday, the decision was made during an emergency meeting of the union’s National Administrative Council (NAC).
The NLC warned that the tariff hike would further burden a struggling population earning a minimum wage of just ₦70,000, already facing soaring petrol prices, high food costs, increased electricity tariffs, and rising inflation.
It directed its affiliates and state councils to begin full mobilisation for the rally and called on civil society allies to join the protest.
The Congress urged Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against what it described as an unfair and unjust policy.
The NLC NAC-in-session firmly rejected the tariff increase, calling it excessive and condemning the NCC’s decision as insensitive and unjustifiable.
“This move is a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general public, who are already struggling due to worsening economic hardship caused by government policies,” the union stated.
The NLC demanded an immediate suspension of the tariff hike and called on the Federal Government, NCC, and National Assembly to engage in dialogue with stakeholders to review the adjustment in line with economic realities.
The Congress warned that if the demand is ignored, it would escalate its actions, including a potential nationwide boycott of telecom services and further mass protests, possibly involving a general strike.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to defending Nigerian workers and citizens from exploitative economic policies. We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people,” the union added.
On 20th January, the NCC announced its approval of the 50% tariff hike. According to NCC spokesman Reuben Muoka, the increase—though lower than the over 100% requested by some network operators—was based on industry reforms aimed at ensuring sustainability.
The regulator cited its authority under Section 108 of the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, to approve tariff rates, stating that the adjustments remain within the bands set by its 2013 Cost Study and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.