The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has called on subscribers to oppose the proposed 50% increase in telecom tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in collaboration with telecom operators.
According to reports, the Federal Government approved the 50% tariff hike after telecom operators initially requested a 100% increase.
This marks the first adjustment in over a decade, with the government justifying it as a measure to revitalize the telecom sector, which contributes about 14% to Nigeria’s economy.
In a statement shared via its X (formerly Twitter) handle, the NLC described the tariff hike as an excessive burden on Nigerians and urged citizens to reject it.
The statement read:
“Reject This Tariff.
- N16.50 per minute: Call costs increased from N11 per minute.
- N6 per message: SMS charges increased from N4 per message.
- N431.25 per GB data bundle: Data costs increased from N287.50 per GB.
‘50% telecom tariff hike: Another burden too harsh on Nigerians.’”
NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, stressed that any tariff increase must involve genuine engagement with stakeholders to identify sustainable alternatives that do not harm Nigerians’ livelihoods.
Ajaero questioned the necessity of the proposed hike, especially considering the telecom sector’s significant growth over the years. He criticized the move as an unjust burden on Nigerians already dealing with rising inflation, higher transportation costs, increased electricity tariffs, and widespread economic hardship.
He also warned that implementing the tariff hike would exacerbate inflation and deepen the economic struggles faced by millions of Nigerians.
