The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the 50% telecom tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), insisting on a maximum increase of 5%.
NLC spokesman Benson Upah made this known on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Thursday, criticising excessive taxation.
“They keep on emasculating us through stupid taxes. It will come to a point when people can pay but won’t. This is to halt this mindless tariff increase. And if there has to be an increase at all, 5% is the limit, considering the rising costs across all sectors.
“But a 50% hike? It’s not going to work. Where will ordinary Nigerians be when we’re already dealing with energy tariff increases?” he said.
Upah reaffirmed that there is no backing down on the nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to oppose the telecom tariff hike.
“The manufacturers are groaning, the middle class is groaning, and ordinary Nigerians can’t even afford to turn on the lights in their homes. When taxes are low, more people pay, unlike when you impose high taxes,” he added.
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have repeatedly advocated for the removal of energy subsidies and the floating of the naira, arguing that the failure to implement these policies has worsened inflation in Nigeria.
