As part of its mobilization efforts against the proposed 50% increase in telecom tariffs, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has resolved to hold a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4.

The decision was reached during an ongoing meeting of the NLC’s National Administrative Council (NAC). The protest aims to send a strong warning to the government that Nigerian workers will not accept the tariff hike, which is expected to exacerbate the already high poverty levels across the country.

On January 22, the NLC firmly rejected the Federal Government’s approval of the 50% hike, implemented through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In a statement titled "50% Telecom Tariff Hike: Another Burden Too Harsh!" NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the move, calling it a direct assault on workers’ welfare and a betrayal of ordinary citizens in favor of corporate profits.

“This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are facing unprecedented economic hardship, prioritizes corporate interests over the well-being of the people,” Ajaero stated.

He emphasized that telecommunication services are essential for daily life, work, and access to information. However, with this increase, an average Nigerian worker, who already spends about 10% of their wages on telecom services, will now be forced to allocate an even higher portion of their income.

“For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, telecom expenses will rise from N7,000 to N10,500 monthly—amounting to 15% of their salary. This is simply unsustainable,” he added.

Ajaero criticized the government’s swift approval of the tariff increase, pointing out that while telecom companies received approval within a month, it took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage increase for workers.

“This glaring disparity highlights a troubling reality: the government appears more aligned with corporate interests than with the needs of the people it swore to protect,” he said.

He also questioned when the National Assembly would step up to hold the executive accountable for policies that undermine the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

The NLC has called on the government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to halt the implementation of the tariff hike and engage in a fair dialogue to determine a reasonable alternative.

“If a tariff adjustment is necessary, it must be a humane and justifiable increase—not an excessive 50% hike,” Ajaero stressed.

The NLC has urged Nigerian workers and the general public to reject the tariff hike and prepare for collective action. This could include a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services to pressure the government into reversing the decision.

“This is a fight for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people,” Ajaero declared.

The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending Nigerian workers and the masses, vowing to resist any policy that deepens poverty and inequality.

“Together, we will stand against this injustice and demand that the government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate gains,” the statement concluded.