The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers will engage the Nigerian Communications Commission on Friday, seeking a possible reversal of the 50 percent telecom tariff hike to 10 percent, as the Nigeria Labour Congress signals readiness for protest.
The Federal Government approved a 50 percent increase after operators initially requested a 100 percent hike. However, subscribers are pushing for a 10 percent adjustment, and if talks fail, they plan to file a lawsuit next week to challenge the decision.
The hike, the first in over a decade, is aimed at revitalizing the struggling telecom sector, contributing about 14 percent to Nigeria’s economy, and has continued to spark widespread debates and controversies.
The labour union, led by Joseph Ajaero, criticised the increase on Wednesday, describing it as an added burden on Nigerian workers who earn less than $50 per month as minimum wage.
The union warned of potential collective action, including a nationwide boycott of telecom services, to compel the government and the NCC to reverse the decision.
