The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the country’s largest labour union, has proposed a modest 5% increase in telecommunications tariffs, sharply contrasting with the 50% hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
The move comes amid growing public outcry over rising living costs and what the NLC describes as “mindless” tax policies that disproportionately burden ordinary Nigerians.
In a televised interview on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, Benson Upah, the NLC’s spokesman, criticised the NCC’s decision, warning that excessive tariff hikes could lead to widespread resistance and pushback from consumers.
“They keep on emasculating us through stupid taxes,” Upah said. “It will come to a point when people can pay, but they won’t pay. This really is to halt this mindless tariff increase.”
Upah argued that while some increase might be justified given the current economic climate, a 50% hike is untenable.
“If by any chance there has to be an increase at all, 5%, given the fact of our situation, that there have been increases across the board,” he said. “But now to say 50%—it is not going to work. Where will the ordinary Nigerians be at the end of the day when we have energy tariff increases?”
The NLC’s proposal comes as the union prepares for a nationwide protest on February 4, 2025, against the NCC’s planned tariff increase. In a letter dated January 30, NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja directed affiliate unions and state councils to mobilize workers and allies for a one-day peaceful rally. The protests are scheduled to take place in state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, at 7 a.m.
“In response to the resolution of the meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) to resist the proposed 50% hike in the tariff of telecommunication services and all other forms of policies that afflict Nigerian workers and masses, all state councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) are directed to begin immediate mobilisation of members,” the letter stated.
In the event that NCC offices are unavailable, the protests are expected to end with petitions being delivered to state Houses of Assembly or NCC headquarters. To highlight the necessity of taking coordinated action against policies that worsen economic suffering, the NLC has also urged civil society organizations to participate in the demonstrations.
“At this time of massive hardship, your unwavering support and determination is critical to defending ourselves and our nation from policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats,” the letter to state councils read.
The NLC also called on its affiliate unions to mobilise their members across the country, citing the value of solidarity in opposing policies that disproportionately impact workers and the general populace.
“Your unwavering support and action is critical to defending ourselves and our nation from policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats,” the letter to affiliates stated.
Widespread discussion has been generated by the NCC’s planned tariff increase, which detractors claim will put more pressure on already precarious people and companies. Telecommunications services are a vital lifeline for millions of Nigerians, especially those living in rural regions with limited access to other types of infrastructure. Significant tariff increases might impede economic development and widen the digital divide..
The NLC’s counterproposal of a 5% increase reflects an attempt to balance the need for revenue generation with the realities of Nigeria’s economic challenges. However, whether the NCC will reconsider its decision in light of the growing opposition remains unclear.
As the February 4 protest approaches, the NLC’s mobilisation efforts highlight the deepening tensions between labour groups and government regulators over economic policies. The outcome of this standoff could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s telecommunications sector and its broader economic landscape.
For now, ordinary Nigerians are left grappling with the prospect of higher costs for essential services, even as labour unions vow to fight for their interests in the face of what they describe as unsustainable and inequitable policies.
