Nationwide protest looms as NLC rejects 50% telecom tariff hike, insists on 5% increase

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the 50% telecom tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), instead proposing a 5% increase.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah criticized the tariff hike, calling it an unnecessary financial burden on Nigerians.

“They keep strangling us with senseless taxes. There will come a time when people, even if they can afford to pay, will refuse to do so. This protest is to stop this reckless tariff increase. If any increase is necessary at all, it should be capped at 5%, considering the numerous price hikes across various sectors,” Upah said.

He firmly rejected the proposed 50% hike, questioning how ordinary Nigerians would cope with rising energy and telecom costs.

Upah also reaffirmed that the NLC would proceed with its nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to express its opposition to the telecom tariff hike.

“Manufacturers are struggling, the middle class is suffering, and ordinary Nigerians can barely afford to keep the lights on. Lower taxes encourage broader participation, while higher taxes drive people away,” he added.

Meanwhile, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have consistently pushed for the removal of energy subsidies and the floating of the naira, arguing that the failure to implement these policies has worsened Nigeria’s inflation crisis.