NLC to stage Nationwide Rally on February 4, Demands Suspension of 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to stage a nationwide mass rally on 4th February 2025 in protest against the 50 per cent hike in telecom services imposed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

Mr. Joe Ajaero, NLC President, made this announcement in a communique issued following the Congress’s National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting held on Wednesday in Abuja.

Ajaero stated that the NAC-in-session had unanimously rejected the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, describing it as excessively harsh for the citizens.

“To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025,” he said.

“The rally will serve as a warning about the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000. A population that has already suffered from the outrageous hikes in petrol prices, high food costs, increases in electricity tariffs, and general rising inflation.”

Ajaero further instructed all NLC affiliates and state councils to commence full mobilisation in preparation for the nationwide protest rally on 4th February 2025. He also encouraged civil society allies to join in the mobilisation efforts.

“The Congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy,” he said.

Ajaero added that the NAC-in-session had called for the immediate suspension of the 50 per cent tariff hike and urged the Federal Government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment.

He stressed that this review should be conducted in light of the current economic realities faced by Nigerians.

“Should these demands not be heeded, the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services,” he warned.

“Further mass actions may also be undertaken, which could include a nationwide withdrawal of our services, to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality,” he added.

Ajaero concluded by reiterating that the NLC remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies.

“We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people,” he stated.