The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has issued a fiery ultimatum to the Federal Government to reverse the 50 percent hike in telecommunication tariffs or face nationwide resistance.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who issued the ultimatum in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, described the tariffs increase as an outright betrayal of Nigerians battling unprecedented economic hardship.
The NLC President who painted a grim picture of the consequences of the tariffs increment, highlighted how telecom services hexes eibed as a lifeline for communication and work, suddenly becomes luxuries.
He lampooned the government for its hypocrisy in fast-tracking tariff approvals, while dragging its feet on implementing the minimum wage.
“This decision is a slap in the face of Nigerian workers and the masses. It’s a clear endorsement of corporate greed at the expense of our survival.”
“A worker earning ₦70,000 minimum wage will now see telecom expenses spike from ₦7,000 to a crushing ₦10,500 monthly. That’s 15% of their salary gone—unsustainable, unjustifiable, and outrightly oppressive.”
“Why is it so easy for the government to favour corporate profits over citizens’ welfare? Where is the accountability? When will the common Nigerian catch a break in this suffocating system?” Ajaero demanded.
The NLC President therefore urged Nigerians to reject the tariff hike outright.
“We will not fold our arms while citizens are bled dry by exploitative policies. Prepare for collective action—telecom boycotts, protests, and any means necessary to force a reversal,” he warned.
Ajaero said while the NLC acknowledged the need for occasional tariff reviews, it condemned the scale and timing of this increase.
“We are open to dialogue, but a 50% hike is not only draconian but also an insult to the Nigerian people.
“This is about our dignity, rights, and survival. The NLC will not back down until this injustice is over-turned. Together, we will resist policies that deepen poverty and inequality,” he stated.
