NLC writes affiliates, state councils over Feb 4 protest against Telecoms tariff hike

Opposition to the proposed 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs has intensified, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) notifying its affiliate unions and state councils to ensure full mobilization of workers and supporters ahead of the nationwide mass protest scheduled for February 4 against the planned increase.
Meanwhile, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has informed the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) of its impending lawsuit challenging the government’s approval of the 50% tariff hike.
The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has warned that the hike will add further strain on low-income earners but acknowledged that it may provide necessary relief to telecom operators.
Additionally, the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Related Institutions (NASU), the Joint Action Front (JAF) — a coalition of pro-worker civil society organizations, and the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) have called on Nigerians to participate in the February 4 protest and any subsequent actions to oppose the tariff increase.
In response, the NCC stated that it plans to engage with the NLC, SERAP, the National Association of Telecom Subscribers in Nigeria (NATCOMS), and others to explain the reasons behind the price adjustment.
In separate letters dated January 30, the NLC’s General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, urged affiliate unions and state councils to rally other Nigerians to send a strong message to the government.
The letter reads: “In response to a resolution of the meeting of the National Administrative Council, NAC, to resist the proposed 50 per cent hike in the tariff of telecommunication services and all other forms of policies that afflict Nigerian workers and masses, all state councils of NLC are directed to begin immediate mobilisation of members of their councils in their respective states for a one-day peaceful protest rally.
“The rally shall take place in various state capitals and FCT on February 4, 2025, by 7a.m. You are expected to co-ordinate all affiliates in your states and work with volunteering civil society partners resident in your state for effective rally.
“The rally procession should lead to any NCC office in the state, where not available, to the state House of Assembly where our petition will be presented. Further developments shall be made available.
“At this time of massive hardship, your unwavering support and determination is critical to defending ourselves and nation from policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats.”
Similarly, the letter to affiliate unions reads “In response to the decision of the NAC, resolution to resist the proposed hike in the tariff of telecommunication services and all forms of policies that afflict Nigerian workers and masses; all industrial unions affiliated to NLC are requested to begin immediate mobilisation of their members across the nation for a one-day peaceful protest rally.
“The rally shall take place in various state capitals across the nation and Abuja on February 4, 2025, by 7a.m.
“At this time of massive hardship, your unwavering support and action is critical to defending ourselves and nation from Policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats.”
In a letter yesterday, SERAP, through the law firm of Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa & Co, cautioned the commission on the need to desist from taking any action that would be prejudicial to the suit before the court.
The letter reads: “We are solicitors to SERAP, the plaintiff in the above mentioned civil action, hereinafter referred to as our client, on whose behalf write to bring to your notice the pendency of the above-mentioned case an subsisting application for interlocutory orders for injunction therein.
“We have been reliably informed by our client that on or about January 20, 2025, the NCC, approved a 50 per cent increase in telecommunications tariffs, this approval is to lead to an in-in call rates from N11 to N16 per minute, data prices from N287.30 to 31.25 per GB, and SMS costs from N4 to N6.
“Given the increase comes at a time of economic hardship, further burdening Nigerians, many of whom struggle with poverty, unemployment, and high inflation, the hike will restrict access to telecommunications services, limiting the ability of citizens, including SERAP, to express themselves and share information, which is a fundamental human right.
“Our client equally informed us that the move has been met with public outcry and labour unions threatening nationwide action if the increase is not reversed.
“Being dissatisfied with the violation of its constitutional and vested right and further attempts to carry out activities to the detriment of our client’s interest and rights, take notice that the above-mentioned matter has been instituted at the Federal High Court, Abuja, seeking, inter alia, for a declaration that the tariff increase is unlawful and should be set aside with an order restraining the NCC and telecommunication companies from enforcing the tariff hike.
“Our client is, therefore, seeking judicial intervention and determination of the legality of all actions and decisions in relation to the increase and planned implementation of the telecommunication tariffs.”