The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has voiced strong opposition to a 50% increase in telecom tariffs recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), proposing instead a more modest 5% hike. NLC spokesman Benson Upah made the statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily program on Thursday.
Upah criticized what he called “excessive taxation,” warning that continuous increases would eventually lead to Nigerians refusing to pay for services, even if they could afford them. “It will come to a point when people can pay but won’t pay,” Upah said, calling for a halt to what he described as a “mindless” tariff increase. “If there has to be an increase at all, it should be 5%, considering the current economic situation and the price hikes across various sectors.”
The NLC spokesman emphasized the burden placed on the average Nigerian, particularly in light of rising energy tariffs. “Where will the ordinary Nigerians be at the end of the day when we have energy tariff increases?” Upah questioned.
The NLC has also confirmed its intention to hold a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to express dissatisfaction with the approved telecom tariff hike. The protest aims to highlight the financial strain on Nigerians, with Upah citing the difficulties faced by manufacturers and the middle class. “The ordinary Nigerians on the streets can’t even afford to turn on the lights in their sitting rooms,” he added.
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have urged Nigeria to remove energy subsidies and float the naira in an effort to curb inflation. However, the country’s economic challenges persist, with both global institutions noting that the failure to implement these reforms has exacerbated the country’s inflationary pressures.
The NLC’s ongoing advocacy underscores the broader concerns regarding Nigeria’s economic policies and their impact on the average citizen.
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