NLC proposes 5% telecom tariff hike, mobilises for Feb 4 protest

 

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has proposed a five per cent increase in telecom tariff hike. This is against the backdrop of the 50 per cent approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC.

The Union’s spokesman Benson Upah, said this on Channels TV’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday.

According to him, “They keep on emasculating us through stupid taxes. It will come to a point when people can pay but they won’t pay.

“This really is to halt this mindless tariff increase. And if by any chance there has to be an increase at all, 5%, given the fact of our situation, that there have been increases across the board.

“But now to say 50%; it is not going to work. Where will the ordinary Nigerians be at the end of the day when we have energy tariff increases?”

State councils
Also, NLC wrote to its affiliate unions and state councils to ensure total and full mobilisation of workers and allies ahead of the February 4 protest against the planned 50 percent telecommunications tariffs hike.

In letter, dated January 30, to the affiliate unions and state councils, NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, urged them to also mobilise other Nigerians to send a serious message to the government.

The letter to state councils reads: “In response to the resolution of the meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) to resist the proposed 50% hike in the tariff of telecommunication services and all other forms of policies that afflict Nigerian workers and masses; all state councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) are directed to begin immediate mobilization of members of their councils in their respective states for a one-day peaceful protest rally.

“The Rally shall take place in various state capitals and FCT on Tuesday the 4th of February 2025 by 7 a.m.

“You are expected to co-ordinate all affiliates in your states and work with volunteering Civil Society partners resident in your state for effective rally.

“The Rally procession should lead to any NCC office in the state and, where not available, to the state House of Assembly where our petition will be presented. Further developments shall be made available.

“At this time of massive hardship, your unwavering support and determination is critical to defending ourselves and nation from policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats.”

Letter to affiliates
Similarly, the letter to affiliate unions reads: “In response to the decision of the National Administrative Council, NAC’s resolution to resist the proposed hike in the tariff of telecommunication services and all forms of policies that afflict Nigerian workers and masses; all industrial unions affiliated to the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, are requested to begin immediate mobilisation of their members across the nation for a one-day peaceful protest rally.

“The rally shall take place in various state capitals across the nation and Abuja on Tuesday the 4th of February 2025 by 7 a.m.

“At this time of massive hardship, your unwavering support and action is critical to defending ourselves and nation from policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats.”