The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide protest on February 4 against the Federal Government’s approval of a 50% hike in telecom tariffs. The decision, taken at the NLC’s National Administrative Council meeting, was described as “insensitive” and an attack on struggling Nigerians facing economic hardship.

Civil society groups, including the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre and the Take It Back Movement, have pledged support for the protest. The NLC also warned that failure to reverse the hike could lead to a nationwide boycott of telecom services.

Telecom operators defended the increase, citing rising operational costs, while the Association of Telecommunications Subscribers called for a reduction to 10%. The group also warned against NLC’s involvement, insisting the hike was a result of stakeholder consultations and is final.

With economic pressures mounting, the February 4 protest is expected to draw widespread participation from labour unions and civil society organizations.