The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has declared it would embark on a nationwide protest against the proposed 50 per cent telecom tariff hike announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission on February 4.
This is contained in a communiqué signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero. The decision was said to have been taken at the National Administrative Council meeting of the NLC on January 29.
Ajaero, warned that failure to reverse the hike might result in a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
Endorsing the rally, the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre, National Civil Society Council of Nigeria and the Take It Back Movement condemned the tariff hike and assured that they would participate in the protests.
The Federal Government had approved a 50 per cent increase though the telecom operators requested a 100 per cent increase.
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In response to the development, the NLC rejected the hike describing it as insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace already burdened by the worsening economic hardship.
Ajaero said, NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike which it considers as too harsh for citizens. It therefore strongly condemns the Nigeria Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase in telecommunications tariffs.
He noted that the union would embark on a nationwide protest on February 4 to warn against the decision of the government.
Ajaero directed all NLC affiliates to mobilise their members for the rally, adding that willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the preparation.
He stated, NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50 per cent tariff hike.
NLC calls on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Communication Commission and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment within the context of the economic realities facing Nigerians.