Nigeria’s primary labor organization, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has denounced the government’s sanctioned 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs and has declared a nationwide protest scheduled for February 4.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently sanctioned the first tariff adjustment in over ten years, attributing the decision to inflation and the depreciation of the naira.
Despite this adjustment, it falls short of the 100% increase that operators have been advocating for over the past six years.
NLC President Joe Ajaero criticized the hike as “insensitive” in light of escalating living expenses and called for its immediate suspension. The union has warned of a potential boycott of telecom services and a strike if the government does not engage in discussions.
In response, the NCC justified the increase as necessary for the growth of the industry while also emphasizing the importance of consumer protection. The commission has instructed operators to transparently communicate any changes and enhance service quality.
Consumer advocacy groups have also pledged to challenge the tariff increase as the economic crisis continues to worsen.
