The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a call to action for Nigerians to prepare for a potential nationwide boycott of telecommunications services.
This response follows the Federal Government's recent approval of a significant 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs, which the NLC deems an unjust burden on citizens already grappling with economic difficulties.
Telecommunication companies, on the other hand, have defended the tariff hike as crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the sector and enhancing service quality for subscribers.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has urged these companies to prioritize service improvements in light of the new tariff structure.
In a statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed profound concern regarding the timing of this increase, highlighting that it coincides with rising inflation and diminishing purchasing power among citizens. He emphasized that telecommunication services have become essential for everyday communication and access to information, noting that many workers allocate around 10% of their income to these services.
Ajaero condemned the government's decision, stating that it represents a serious injustice to workers who are already facing unprecedented economic challenges. He criticized the swift approval process for the tariff hike, which took only a month, in stark contrast to the nearly year-long delay in implementing a revised minimum wage.
The NLC has urged Nigerians to reject this tariff increase and is advocating for collective action, which may include a mass boycott of telecommunication services.
Ajaero clarified that while the NLC does not oppose a review of tariffs, it strongly disagrees with the magnitude of this particular increase. He called for dialogue among stakeholders to reach a more reasonable adjustment.
