The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning against the Federal Government’s potential implementation of telecommunication service charges that contradict the terms agreed upon by a 10-man committee, signaling the possibility of a nationwide protest.
The decision was reached at the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Sunday in Yola, Adamawa State, where the congress also inaugurated its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-driven Mass Transit Buses for the North East Zone.
According to a statement released by the NLC on Sunday, the congress directed all its affiliates to remain on high alert for mass action if the Federal Government enforces the telecom tariff hike, despite the terms of an agreement reached on February 21, 2025. The agreement had reduced the originally proposed 50% tariff hike to 35%, but the NLC remains vigilant.
The congress warned that if the government fails to implement the agreement as stipulated, it will immediately take action in line with the directive of the Central Working Committee, issued on February 10, 2025.
The NLC has been engaged in a series of negotiations with telecom companies and the Federal Government over the controversial tariff hike. The statement expressed concern about the history of broken agreements, warning that any deviation from the agreed terms would trigger swift and decisive action.
“Having extensively discussed these existential threats to the working class and the broader Nigerian masses, NEC-in-session resolves as follows: on the 35% tariff hike in telecommunications services: NEC acknowledges the agreement reached on February 21, 2025, between the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Federal Government through the Joint 10-man committee, which reduced the initially proposed telecommunications tariff hike from 50% to 35%.
“However, congress remains vigilant, recognising the long history of infidelity. NEC categorically warns that should the implementation of the agreement on March 1, 2025, not be as agreed, the National Administrative Council is mandated to immediately deploy all necessary instruments to enforce compliance in line with the February 10th, 2025 Central Working Committee directive,” the statement read.
In addition to the telecoms issue, the NLC also condemned the ongoing reclassification of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). The union described the reclassification, which is aimed at increasing tariffs by moving consumers to higher bands, as a “sham” and accused NERC of imposing unfair charges under the pretext of service improvement.
The NLC argued that this is an unjustifiable financial burden on the Nigerian masses and a form of “economic violence” against the working class.
The statement further criticised what it called the ruling elite’s alignment with global monopolistic capital, which the NLC believes is exacerbating the economic hardship faced by Nigerians through continuous tariff hikes, increased taxation, and economic policies that primarily benefit the wealthy.
““Whereas inflation has soared, wages remain stagnant, and the cost of living has become unbearable, the ruling class continues to transfer the burden of their fiscal irresponsibility onto the already impoverished working masses,” the NLC stated.
The congress reaffirmed its opposition to any further electricity tariff increases, vowing to resist any attempts by the Ministry of Power and NERC to increase tariffs, insisting that any attempt to announce further electricity tariff hikes will be met with mass resistance. The congress also pledged to mobilise for a nationwide protest if the government moves forward with any such plans.
Furthermore, the NLC called on all its affiliates, industrial unions, and progressive allies to stay vigilant and prepare for mass action against policies it deems harmful to the Nigerian people.
The congress reiterated its stance against corporate exploitation and neoliberal policies that it claims have led to the impoverishment of the masses. The NLC emphasized that sustainable development cannot be achieved under such conditions and urged Nigerians to remain resolute in their collective struggle for a fairer society.
In addition to its protests over economic policies, the NLC also expressed concern over the current state of the Labour Party. The congress directed its National Administrative Council to take immediate steps to rebrand, merge, or form coalitions within the party to ensure it returns to its original ideological roots.
The NLC stated that it would not allow the Labour Party to be hijacked by forces that do not represent the interests of workers or the broader Nigerian population.
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the Labour Party remains a true vehicle for the emancipation of Nigerian workers and the oppressed masses.
The statement added, “After carefully examining the unfortunate events in the Labour Party, which was a creation of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the opaqueness that pervades its activities, NEC-in-session directed the National Administrative Council to take immediate steps which may include; rebranding, merger or forming of coalitions to defend the interests of NLC and Nigerian workers in the party with a view to reclaiming the party and returning it to its original ideological roots.
“The congress will not allow the Labour Party to be hijacked by reactionary forces who do not represent the aspirations of the working people and broader Nigerian People. The NLC remains committed to ensuring that the Party remains a true vehicle for the emancipation of Nigerian workers and the oppressed masses.”
THE GUARDIAN
