NLC Urges Nigerians to Prepare for Telecom Boycott Over Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services in protest against the Federal Government’s approval of a 50% increase in telecom tariffs. NLC President Joe Ajaero described the hike as unjust and burdensome for citizens facing economic challenges. He criticized the government for prioritizing corporate profits over public welfare, noting that the increase would significantly impact workers already spending around 10% of their income on telecom services. Ajaero urged Nigerians to reject the tariff hike and prepare for collective action, including a telecom services boycott, to demand a reversal. Meanwhile, telecom operators defended the tariff increase as necessary for sector sustainability and service improvements. The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission has emphasized the need for operators to ensure better service quality and transparency alongside the tariff adjustment. The new tariff implementation is set to begin in February.