The opposition to the planned 50% telecommunications tariff hike in Nigeria has intensified as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for a nationwide mass protest on February 4, 2025. The NLC has instructed its affiliate unions and state councils to mobilize workers and other allies to take part in the protest, which will be held in various state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The rally aims to resist the tariff hike and any policies that adversely affect Nigerian workers and the public.
In addition, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has taken legal action, notifying the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) of a pending suit challenging the tariff hike. SERAP has sought an injunction to prevent the implementation of the hike, highlighting the negative impact on Nigerians and urging the NCC to refrain from any actions that would harm the case.
Other groups, including the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Related Institutions (NASU), Joint Action Front (JAF), and Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), have also rallied behind the protest, calling on Nigerians to participate in the action against the hike.
While some groups, such as the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), have acknowledged that the hike may provide relief for telecom operators, they have expressed concern about the burden it places on low-income earners. The NCC, in response, stated that it plans to engage with the NLC, SERAP, and other stakeholders to explain the reasons for the price adjustment.
The protest on February 4 is expected to involve peaceful demonstrations leading to NCC offices or state Houses of Assembly, where petitions against the hike will be presented.