Nigeria Labour Congress To Resist Telecom Tariff Hike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a rallying cry to citizens, urging them to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services in protest against the Federal Government’s recent approval of a 50% hike in tariffs.
Describing the increase as an “assault on the welfare of Nigerians,” NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the move, pointing to its devastating impact on workers already grappling with rising inflation and eroded purchasing power. “Telecommunication services are no longer a luxury; they are a necessity,” Ajaero declared on Wednesday.
The NLC’s opposition comes amid assurances from telecom operators, who argue that the tariff increase is essential for the long-term sustainability of the industry and necessary for improving service quality for subscribers.
A Nation in Protest
Ajaero did not mince words, labelling the tariff approval, granted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as a clear demonstration of the government’s prioritisation of corporate interests over the welfare of its citizens.
“An average Nigerian worker already spends 10% of their income on telecommunication services. For someone earning the minimum wage of ₦70,000, the increase means an additional ₦3,500 monthly expense, which is unsustainable,” he said.
Criticising the speed of the approval process, Ajaero noted the glaring contrast between the government’s swift endorsement of the tariff hike and its delayed implementation of the revised minimum wage. “This disparity reveals a troubling bias,” he said.
The NLC president called on Nigerians to resist the tariff adjustment and urged the government to open a dialogue for a more “humane and equitable” solution. He hinted at the possibility of mass action, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to demand a reversal of the hike.
Telecom Operators Stand Firm
Despite the outcry, telecom operators remain resolute. The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) defended the price adjustment, set to take effect in February, as a necessary step for sustaining the sector and enhancing consumer experience.
Gbenga Adebayor, ALTON’s chairman, dismissed the protests, emphasising that infrastructure upgrades are vital for better service delivery. “We are actively working on optimising systems. Long-term sustainability is our goal,” he stated.
Consumer Watchdogs Demand Accountability
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has joined the fray, charging telecom operators to ensure the tariff increase directly translates into service improvements. The FCCPC acknowledged the financial pressures on the sector but stressed that consumers’ interests must remain paramount.
“The tariff adjustment must lead to tangible improvements in network reliability, internet speed, and customer service,” the FCCPC said in a statement.
As part of its oversight, the FCCPC announced new measures to enhance transparency, including mandatory disclosure tables outlining costs, validity periods, and benefits of telecom plans. “Hidden charges and unexpected costs must become a thing of the past,” the agency added.
Public Frustration Mounts
The announcement of the tariff increase has reignited long-standing grievances over poor service quality, including network congestion, dropped calls, and inconsistent internet speeds. Nigerians have taken to social media to voice their frustration, with many demanding improvements before any price hike is implemented.
The NLC’s ultimatum sets the stage for a showdown between the government, telecom operators, and citizens. With calls for transparency and accountability growing louder, the coming weeks may prove pivotal in shaping the future of Nigeria’s telecommunications landscape.
