The Nigeria Labour unions say they will proceed with a nationwide strike from Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to protest against the recently approved 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs.
The nationwide demonstration was agreed upon during Wednesday’s National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja.
They believe the protest will send a strong message to the government that workers will not accept this increase, which threatens to worsen poverty across the nation.
On January 22, the NLC rejected the 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs sanctioned by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
According to some estimates, the average Nigerian worker spends around 10% of their wages on telecom charges.
Argument For Tariff Increase
The NCC argue that the tariff increase, the first in 12 years, is necessary to save the sector from decline and boost investment in telecommunication infrastructure.
It estimates that the increase could unlock over $150 million in new investments, extend 4G coverage to 94% of the population, and benefit approximately 9 million more people.
Moreover, the government and NCC emphasize that improved digital infrastructure will create up to 2 million direct and indirect jobs and contribute ₦1.6 trillion in tax revenue.
However, stakeholders, including the NLC, trade unions, and student groups, disagree, mainly about the timing.
The unions argue that the timing is inappropriate given the current economic challenges facing Nigerian workers and the general populace.
Joe Ajaero, President of NLC, said: “This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.”
The government has not reacted to this latest worker strike threat.
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 plans a nationwide protest against the 50% telecom tariff hike approved by the NCC, emphasizing Nigerian workers' economic challenges.){kind=link}