NLC Plans Nationwide Protest February 4 Against Telecom Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans for a nationwide protest on February 4 against a recent 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs approved by the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC). The NLC has labeled the increase as 'insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault' on citizens already struggling with rising costs of living, exacerbated by government policies. Union leaders, including NLC President Joe Ajaero, emphasized the need for immediate dialogue with the government and threatened potential boycotts of telecommunications services if the hike is not reversed. Civil society organizations have also pledged support for the protests, highlighting widespread discontent with the economic situation. The proposed hike is the first significant increase in over a decade, following pressures from telecom operators facing high operational costs. Ajaero reiterated that the NLC considers the tariff adjustment too harsh for a population earning a minimum wage of only ₦70,000.