The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on Nigerians to prepare for a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services in response to the Federal Government?s recent approval of a 50 per cent increase in telecommunication tariffs.

However, telecommunication companies insisted that the tariff hike is essential for the long-term sustainability of the sector and the improvement of services for subscribers.

This came as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission charged the telcos to prioritise service improvements following the approval to hike telecommunication tariffs.

The NLC In a statement on Wednesday described the increment as a grave injustice to citizens already burdened by economic hardship.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, expressed deep concern over the timing of the hike, which according to him coincides with rising inflation and declining purchasing power.

He said telecommunication services have become a basic necessity, with the average Nigerian worker spending approximately 10 per cent of their income on telecom charges.

He said, ?The Nigeria Labour Congress expresses its unequivocal condemnation of the Federal Government?s recent approval, through the Nigerian Communications Commission of a 50 per cent increase in telecommunication tariffs. This decision, coming at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, is a clear assault on their welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.

?Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information. Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10 per cent of their wages on telecom charges. For a worker earning the current minimum wage of N70,000, this means an increase from N7,000 to a staggering N10,500 per month or 15 per cent of his salary ? an unsustainable cost.?

The NLC president criticised the government for fast-tracking the tariff approval within a month while taking nearly a year to implement the recently revised minimum wage.

He also argued that this disparity underscores the government?s bias towards corporate interests over the welfare of its citizens.

Ajaero said, ?This hike exemplifies the government?s apparent ease in prioritising corporate profits over citizens? welfare. It is shocking that the government approved this 50 per cent tariff increase for telecom companies within a month, yet took nearly a year to approve the recent minimum wage for workers, despite the rising cost of living and inflation eroding purchasing power.

?This glaring disparity underscores a troubling reality: the government appears more aligned with the interests of wealthy corporations than with the needs of the workers and citizens it is meant to serve.

?We must ask: When will the government stand for the people it swore to protect? When will the National Assembly rise to its responsibility and hold the executive accountable for policies that blatantly undermine the welfare of the majority? When will the common man heave a sigh of relief in Nigeria??

The NLC president, however, urged Nigerians to reject the tariff hike and prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a mass boycott of telecommunication services, to compel a reversal of the increase.

?NLC is not opposed to a tariff review but disagrees with the approved rate of increase. We therefore call on the government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to stop the implementation of this ill-advised hike to allow a reasonable conversation around it. If the dialogue agrees on the need for the hike, then, we can all seek a more humane increase and definitely not this 50 per cent hike.

?The NLC calls on all Nigerian workers and masses to reject this unjustifiable tariff hike. We urge citizens to prepare for collective action, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services, to compel the reversal of this punitive increase.

?This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people. The Nigeria Labour Congress remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses. We will not allow the people to bear the brunt of policies that further entrench poverty and inequality. Together, we will do our best to resist this injustice and demand that the government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests,? the union stated.

Telcos unfazed

Since the announcement of the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, both the Nigerian Communications Commission and Mobile Network Operators have been under intense scrutiny, with the latest opposition coming from the NLC.

Despite the backlash, telcos remain unfazed and have maintained that the tariff hike is essential for the long-term sustainability of the sector and the improvement of services for subscribers.

The Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria insisted that the implementation of the approved tariff hike, which is expected to kick off in February, will proceed as scheduled.

?Whether it?s today, tomorrow, or in the near future, the tariff implementation is set to proceed. The key question now is the value that the price adjustment will bring to subscribers,? the Chairman of ALTON, Gbenga Adebayor, told The PUNCH.

Adebayor explained that many systems within the telecom sector are outdated and equipment requires optimisation. ?We are actively working on improving the cost-mile experience significantly,? he said.

?Our goal is long-term sustainability?no telecom operator wants to provide poor service quality. Every minute of uptime contributes to revenue, and it?s crucial that we show tangible improvements in user experience and deliver something better to subscribers.?

Service improvement

Meanwhile, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission acknowledged the financial pressures faced by telecom operators; however, it urged them to prioritise service improvements.

?We unequivocally state that consumer interests remain paramount,? the consumer watchdog said, stressing that any increase in telecom tariffs must lead to tangible improvements in the quality of service.

The commission welcomed a new NCC directive requiring telecom operators to ensure that tariffs are more transparent.

It said operators must now disclose all critical details of their plans upfront, including costs, validity periods, and benefits. It noted that a mandatory disclosure table will also be introduced to help consumers make informed decisions and avoid unexpected charges.

?Consumers should no longer have to worry about hidden charges or unexpected costs,? the FCCPC emphasised.

The commission acknowledged ongoing consumer dissatisfaction with poor service quality, such as network congestion, dropped calls, inconsistent internet speeds, and inadequate customer service. It noted that consumers had consistently called for improvements in these areas before any tariff increase.

?It is crucial that tariff adjustments directly translate into demonstrable and tangible service enhancements,? the FCCPC said.

The FCCPC referred to the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the NCC, which reaffirms their joint commitment to consumer protection, fair competition, and the elimination of exploitative practices in the telecom sector.

The MoU ensures that any regulatory or pricing adjustments made by telecom operators are balanced with the interests of consumers.

?Operators must prioritise visible and measurable improvements in network reliability, speed, accessibility, and customer service as part of any tariff adjustment,? the FCCPC stated.

The commission also called on telecom operators to allocate the additional revenue generated from the tariff increase towards infrastructure development and enhanced service delivery. It emphasised the need for clear mechanisms to monitor the proper utilisation of these funds for the benefit of consumers.

?Operators must clearly communicate the rationale for the tariff adjustments to consumers, ensuring they are fully Informed about how these changes align with efforts to improve service delivery and infrastructure,? it added. (The PUNCH: Text, Excluding Headline)

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