The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has concluded plans to declare a nationwide mass rally on Feb. 4 over the 50 per cent hike on telecom services by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC).
In a communique issued at the end of the Congress’s National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja, NLC President, Joe Ajaero said, ‘’NAC in session totally rejected the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike as it was considered too harsh for the citizens.
He said, NLC is expressing a collective opposition to the arbitrary tariff hike and will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
According to him, ‘’the rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70, 000.
“A population that has suffered outrageous hike in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff, and general rising inflation.
“All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilisation in preparation for the February 4, 2025, nationwide protest rally. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the preparation.
“The Congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy,” he said.
Ajaero stated that NAC-in-session called for the immediate suspension of the 50 per cent tariff hike and the Federal Government, the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC), and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment.
“If these are not heeded,’’ he warned, ‘’the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
“Others are further mass actions that may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality. NLC remained committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies,’’ he added
