The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vehemently urged telecommunication users to oppose the Federal Government’s newly sanctioned 50% tariff augmentation. This directive comes following the government’s approval of the increase,
which was a concession from telecom operators’ original proposal for a 100% hike.
In a statement disseminated via its X handle, the NLC unequivocally stated: “Reject This Tariff,” signaling a clarion call for collective disapproval.
This adjustment marks the first significant upward revision in over a decade, purportedly aimed at resuscitating the faltering telecommunications sector—a sector contributing approximately 14% to Nigeria’s GDP.
However, the NLC has lambasted the increase, characterizing it as an excessive burden on the citizenry. The union detailed the revised rates as follows:
– Call charges have surged from N11 per minute to N16.50 per minute.
– SMS costs have escalated from N4 per message to N6 per message.
– Data bundle rates have risen dramatically, with 1GB now priced at N431.25, up from N287.50.
Labeling the increment as “another oppressive strain on Nigerians,” the NLC has rallied for collective resistance against what it describes as an unjustified fiscal load.
NLC President Joe Ajaero extended his critique to the Federal Government’s broader governance, particularly its approval of an N8 billion expenditure aimed at sensitizing citizens on electricity bill payments.
Ajaero did not mince words, decrying what he described as systemic incompetence within the Power Ministry. “The electricity sector teeters on the brink of collapse, riddled with inefficiencies and gross mismanagement.
Despite wielding considerable authority under the Electricity Act of 2023, the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has repeatedly failed to fulfill its regulatory obligations,” he remarked.
He further admonished Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu for prioritizing inconsequential projects while grid collapses persist unabated. “The alarming frequency of national grid failures under this administration far surpasses
historical precedents, underscoring the glaring ineptitude at the helm. Instead of issuing dismissive statements, Nigerians deserve a competent and decisive administration of their energy sector,” he stated.
Ajaero didn’t shy away from calling for accountability, demanding the resignation of Minister Adelabu and senior officials within the Ministry of Power. He asserted that a capable team could have mitigated the recurring power
grid failures that now plague the nation.
“The persistent grid failures are not a natural phenomenon but a consequence of governance failures. Resignation should be the honorable course for those responsible,” Ajaero asserted.
In a related critique, Ajaero lambasted the discriminatory nature of the electricity band system, which categorizes users into varying payment brackets. He argued that such practices perpetuate inequality and foster division among
citizens.
“The stratification of consumers into Band A and lower bands is inherently unjust. Electricity is a fundamental utility and should not be subjected to such discriminatory practices,” he concluded.
The NLC’s vocal opposition underscores growing dissatisfaction with government policies perceived as exacerbating the financial strain on ordinary Nigerians. The union’s clarion call for resistance serves as a rallying cry for
a populace grappling with economic challenges.
