The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed the 50% telecom tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), instead proposing a 5% increase as a more realistic adjustment.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah criticized the continuous imposition of taxes on Nigerians, warning that such policies would push citizens to their breaking point.
"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," he said.
‘50% Hike Won’t Work’ – NLC
Upah argued that given the economic hardship in the country, a 50% telecom tariff hike is unacceptable, especially with other rising costs like energy tariffs.
"If by any chance there has to be an increase at all, 5% is reasonable, given the fact that there have been increases across the board. But now to say 50%? It is not going to work. Where will ordinary Nigerians be at the end of the day?"
Nationwide Protest Set for February 4
The NLC also vowed to proceed with its nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to demand the reversal of the telecom tariff increase.
"The manufacturers are groaning, the middle-class people are groaning. The ordinary Nigerians on the streets can’t even afford to turn on the lights in their sitting rooms," Upah added.
He further argued that lower taxes encourage compliance, whereas excessive taxation discourages economic participation.
Economic Pressures & Global Influence
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have persistently advocated for subsidy removal and currency devaluation, arguing that Nigeria’s reluctance to implement these policies has contributed to severe inflationary pressures.
With tensions rising, the coming weeks could see a major showdown between the government, telecom operators, and Nigerian workers, as the NLC remains resolute in its fight against what it calls an unjustified burden on citizens.