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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the federal government for approving a 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs, describing the move as unfair to Nigerians.
In a statement issued yesterday in Abuja, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the decision by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is a heavy burden on workers and ordinary citizens. He accused the government of prioritizing corporate profits over the welfare of the people.
Ajaero pointed out that the hike would hit low-income earners the hardest. He explained that someone earning the minimum wage of ₦70,000 would now spend about ₦10,500 monthly on telecom services, up from ₦7,000, taking up 15% of their income. He described this as unacceptable, given the tough economic situation in the country.
The NLC also expressed disappointment at how quickly the government approved the tariff increase, especially when compared to the delay in implementing the new minimum wage, which took nearly a year. The union said this shows the government is more concerned with corporate interests than improving the lives of Nigerians.
While acknowledging that periodic reviews of tariffs may be necessary, Ajaero said a 50% hike was too much and called for the decision to be reversed immediately.
The NLC’s statement read:
“This increase shows how easily the government favors corporate profits over the welfare of its people. When will the government stand for Nigerians? When will the National Assembly hold the executive accountable for such decisions? When will the common man finally get relief in this country?”
Ajaero urged Nigerians to reject the tariff hike and prepare for collective action, including a possible nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to force the government to reverse the decision.
“This is about our dignity, our rights, and our survival,” he added.
The NLC also called on the federal government, NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in discussions to find a fair and more reasonable solution.
