NLC Launches Nationwide Protest Against Exploitative 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

NLC Launches Nationwide Protest Against Exploitative 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest following a contentious 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs. The union expressed concerns over the impact of the hike, describing it as exploitative and unjustifiable given the prevailing economic hardships in the country. According to the NLC, the tariff hike will worsen the financial burden on Nigerians, hinder access to essential communication services, and disproportionately affect small businesses. The union maintains that affordable telecom services are vital for economic growth and national development.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, emphasized the union’s commitment to defending the rights of Nigerians against what he termed “economic oppression.” During a press briefing in Abuja, Ajaero called the tariff adjustment a deliberate attempt to exploit struggling citizens already grappling with inflation, fuel price hikes, and stagnant wages. “We demand an immediate reversal of this arbitrary increase, or we will mobilize Nigerians to shut down the nation’s telecom services,” he warned. The Nigeria Labour Congress has vowed to continue the fight until the interests of the people are protected and telecom services remain affordable for all.

NLC Mobilizes Nationwide Protest Against Telecom Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has galvanized its affiliate unions, civil society organizations, and concerned Nigerians for a massive nationwide protest against the recent 50% telecommunications tariff hike. The demonstration is scheduled to take place in major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt. The NLC has urged citizens from all walks of life to join the protest in solidarity, emphasizing that the tariff hike is an unfair burden on already struggling Nigerians. According to NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, the protest will commence next week and will continue until the telecom tariff increase is reversed.

The NLC disclosed that the demonstration will feature peaceful marches, public rallies, and engagements with relevant authorities to demand immediate action. Ajaero emphasized the union’s commitment to ensuring that the protests remain peaceful and organized. “We have informed security agencies to maintain public order and ensure the safety of all participants,” Ajaero stated. The labor union reiterated that its goal is to compel telecom operators and regulatory authorities to reverse the tariff hike and protect the communication rights of Nigerians.

NLC Slams Telecom Operators for Insensitivity

The NLC has accused telecom operators of being insensitive to the plight of Nigerians by implementing the tariff hike without proper stakeholder engagement. According to the union, the move disregards the socio-economic challenges faced by consumers and undermines the efforts to achieve digital inclusivity.

“Nigerians are not cash cows for telecom companies,” Ajaero declared. “We are determined to fight this injustice and hold telecom operators accountable for their insensitivity.” The Nigeria Labour Congress has also demanded that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) fulfill its regulatory role by reversing the price hike.

Government Intervention Sought by NLC

The NLC has called on the Federal Government to intervene and protect Nigerians from the exploitative practices of telecom operators. The union insists that the government must prioritize consumer protection and ensure that telecom services remain affordable for all Nigerians.

“We urge President Bola Tinubu to act swiftly in the interest of the masses. This protest is a call for justice, and we will not back down until the right thing is done,” Ajaero stated. The union further highlighted the need for government subsidies to cushion the impact of rising operational costs in the telecom sector.

Economic and Social Impact of the Protest

The NLC’s planned nationwide protest is expected to disrupt telecom operations and potentially affect businesses and communication services across the country. Economic analysts warn that prolonged demonstrations may impact productivity and create uncertainty in the telecom sector.

However, consumer advocacy groups have expressed support for the Nigeria Labour Congress’s stance, emphasizing the need for telecom services to remain accessible to all Nigerians. “We stand with the NLC in this fight against exploitation. Affordable communication is a right, not a privilege,” one advocacy leader stated.

As the Nigeria Labour Congress gears up for its nationwide protest, the telecom sector and government stakeholders are under pressure to find an urgent and equitable resolution to this unfolding crisis.


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