TELECOMS TARIFF HIKE: NLC STRESSES BOYCOTT, FEBRUARY 4 PROTEST

In response to the proposed 50 percent telecoms tariff hike announced by the National Communications Commission, the Nigeria Labour Congress has declared that it would embark on a nationwide protest on February 4.

The decision was contained in a communique signed by its national president, Joe Ajaero, on Wednesday, January 29, at the National Administrative Council meeting of the NLC.

In solidarity, Civil Society Organisations like 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.

Failure to reverse the hike, Ajaero warned, might result in a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.

Earlier this year, the Federal Government had approved a 50 per cent increase although the telecom operators requested a 100 per cent increase.

Reacting, the NLC rejected the hike in its entirety, describing it as insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace already burdened by the worsening economic hardship.