BREAKING: NLC Confirms Nationwide Protest, Reason, Date Emerge

BREAKING: NLC Confirms Nationwide Protest, Reason, Date Emerge

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its plan to initiate a nationwide protest in response to the recently approved 50% hike in telecom tariffs.

The demonstration is set to take place on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, following a meeting of the NLC’s national administrative council held on Wednesday, January 29.

As reported by Vanguard, the primary aim of the protest is to convey a strong message to the government regarding the discontent among Nigerian workers over the tariff increase, especially given the widespread poverty pervasive across the nation.

The NLC has consistently opposed the 50% telecom tariff rise sanctioned by the federal government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

The labour union has argued that this increase was approved at a time when its members and the general populace are enduring severe economic challenges, characterizing the decision as “a clear assault and an abandonment of the people’s concerns.”

In a statement titled “50% Telecom tariff hike: Another burden too harsh!” signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, the NLC condemned the proposed increase in telecom rates.

The union emphasized the critical role of telecom services in daily communication, access to information, and employment for Nigerians.

It highlighted that the average Nigerian worker currently allocates about 10% of their wages to cover telecom expenses, illustrating the burden the tariff increase would impose.

“For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month or 15 per cent of his salary, an unsustainable cost.”

The NLC’s conflict with the federal government has escalated since President Bola Tinubu took office in 2023.

On his first day in office, President Tinubu announced the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira, leading to concerns about the economic impact of these policies.

These changes have resulted in significant increases in the costs of basic necessities and food, placing a heavy burden on many Nigerians.

While the government has raised the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000, many believe this adjustment is insufficient to alleviate the ongoing hardships.

Additionally, there have been accusations against the president’s power minister regarding the implementation of policies deemed highly unfavorable.