The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has criticized the federal government and telecommunications companies for approving a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, describing the move as an attack on Nigerians’ welfare amid the country’s worsening economic conditions.

Speaking at the Labour House in Abuja on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the tariff hike, calling it a blatant disregard for the struggles of ordinary Nigerians. While acknowledging the impact of inflation on the economy, Ajaero stated that the approved rate of increase was excessive and unjustified.

Ajaero also criticized members of the National Assembly for failing to stand with the majority of Nigerians on policies that exacerbate economic hardship. He demanded the immediate suspension of the tariff hike, which was approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

“The Nigeria Labour Congress expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the Federal Government’s approval of a 50% increase in telecom tariffs. This decision, made at a time when Nigerian workers and citizens are enduring unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate greed,” Ajaero said.

Highlighting the burden the tariff hike would place on workers, Ajaero explained that telecommunications are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. For a worker earning the minimum wage of ₦70,000, the cost of telecom services would rise from ₦7,000 to ₦10,500 monthly—equivalent to 15% of their salary.

“This hike shows how easily the government prioritizes corporate profits over citizens’ welfare,” Ajaero said. “It is appalling that this increase was approved within a month, while it took nearly a year for the government to implement the recent minimum wage despite skyrocketing inflation.”

He questioned when the government and the National Assembly would take meaningful action to protect the interests of ordinary Nigerians instead of wealthy corporations.

The NLC president criticized the lack of consultation with key stakeholders before the tariff hike was announced and called for immediate dialogue to reassess the increase. He emphasized that while the NLC is not against a review of telecom tariffs, the current rate of increase is unacceptable.

“We are open to discussions on the need for a review, but the approved 50% hike is unreasonable. We urge the government, NCC, and National Assembly to suspend the implementation and initiate a dialogue to arrive at a more humane adjustment,” Ajaero stated.

To resist the hike, Ajaero warned of the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunications services. He urged Nigerian workers and citizens to prepare for collective action, including protests and service boycotts, to force the government to reverse the decision.

“This fight is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival. The Nigeria Labour Congress will continue to defend the interests of workers and the masses. We must reject policies that deepen poverty and inequality. Together, we will resist this injustice and demand that the government put the welfare of its citizens above corporate interests,” Ajaero concluded.