Tariff Increase: NLC agrees to 35% rise with Government

Thnlce Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced that it has reached an agreement with the government for telecommunications companies to limit their tariff increase to 35% instead of the previously proposed 50%.

The Congress also disclosed plans to commence a nationwide mobilisation of workers and civil society groups in protest against the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) attempt to forcibly migrate consumers from lower bands to Band A under the pretext of service improvement.

Additionally, the Congress indicated that it would resume its planned mass protest against the 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs if the government fails to implement the agreed reduction to 35%.

This was stated in a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Yola, Adamawa State. The communiqué was signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja.

The Congress further reaffirmed its stance against what it described as “reactionary forces” seeking to take control of the Labour Party.

The communiqué reads:

“The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) convened in Yola, Adamawa State, to inaugurate its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) driven mass transit buses for the North-East Zone of Nigeria and to deliberate on the economic hardships being imposed on Nigerian workers and the masses by certain neoliberal state policies, particularly the recent telecommunications tariff hike and the disturbing plans to further increase electricity tariffs.

“Following extensive discussions on these pressing challenges, NEC acknowledges the agreement reached on 21 February 2025 between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the federal government through the Joint 10-Man Committee, which reduced the proposed telecommunications tariff increase from 50% to 35%.

“However, the Congress remains vigilant, given the government’s history of reneging on agreements. NEC unequivocally warns that if the agreement is not implemented by 1 March 2025, the National Administrative Council (NAC) is mandated to take all necessary measures to ensure compliance, as per the directive of the Central Working Committee (CWC) on 10 February 2025.

“NEC strongly opposes the ongoing reclassification of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which aims to forcibly migrate consumers from lower bands to Band A under the guise of service improvement. In reality, this is a deliberate attempt to impose unjustified financial burdens on ordinary Nigerians.

“This exploitation, orchestrated by the Ministry of Power, amounts to economic aggression against the working class and the broader Nigerian populace.

“It is evident that the ruling elite, acting as enforcers of global monopoly capital, are determined to deepen the suffering of Nigerians through continuous tariff hikes, increased taxation, and relentless economic oppression.

“With inflation soaring, stagnant wages, and a worsening cost of living, the political class continues to shift the burden of its financial mismanagement onto already struggling citizens.

“NEC-in-session warns that any further increase in electricity tariffs will be met with widespread resistance.

“Therefore, the Congress resolves to immediately mobilise for a nationwide protest if the Ministry of Power and NERC proceed with any exploitative tariff increase under any pretext.

“The NLC will not stand by while Nigerian citizens are subjected to the predatory agenda of capitalist profiteers and their state collaborators.”

Regarding developments in the Labour Party, the communiqué states:

“After thoroughly examining the regrettable events within the Labour Party, which was established by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and noting the opacity surrounding its activities, NEC has directed the National Administrative Council (NAC) to take immediate steps, which may include rebranding, forming mergers or coalitions to safeguard the interests of the NLC and Nigerian workers. This is aimed at reclaiming the Party and restoring it to its foundational ideological principles.

“The Congress will not allow the Labour Party to be hijacked by reactionary elements who do not represent the aspirations of workers and the broader Nigerian populace. The NLC remains steadfast in ensuring that the Party remains a true platform for the liberation of Nigerian workers and the oppressed masses.”

The NEC further reaffirmed the historical responsibility of the working class to resist all forms of exploitation and oppression. It called on all affiliates, industrial unions, and progressive allies to remain vigilant and prepared for decisive mass action against all anti-people policies of the state.