A wave of opposition grew yesterday against the 50 per cent telecommunications tariff hike approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) described it as insensitive.
They said it came at a time workers and the masses were grappling with unprecedented economic hardship.
Labour condemned the hike, saying it was a “clear assault on workers welfare and an abandonment of the people to corporate fat cats.”
TUC called it “one hike too many”, while CNG called for an immediate reversal.
But telecom operators disagreed.
They backed the 50 per cent tariff hike approved for end users of telecom services.
Mobile network operators (MNOs) hailed the approval by the NCC, saying it was a good way to start the recovery of the ailing sector.
MNOs had pushed for a 100 per cent tariff hike, citing soaring inflation, devaluation of the naira and fuel subsidy removal.
NCC approved 50 per cent, balancing affordability with sustainability.
NLC, in a statement by its President, Joe Ajaero, acknowledged the importance of telecom services in the areas of work, and access to information.
It contended that on the average Nigerian spends around 10 per cent on accessing telecom services.
“Telecommunication services are essential for daily communication, work, and access to information.
“Yet, an average Nigerian worker already spends approximately 10per 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 15per cent of his salary—a cost that is unsustainable.”
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NLC, TUC, CNG Reject 50% Telecom Tariff Hike
