The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly criticised the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for approving a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, calling for its immediate reversal.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has also weighed in, emphasising the need for the tariff adjustment to result in demonstrable service improvements for consumers.

The approval, which has ignited widespread debate among stakeholders and the public, allows telecom operators to raise call rates from ₦12 to ₦18 per minute, SMS charges from ₦4 to ₦6, and data costs from ₦300 to over ₦400 per gigabyte. Operators have cited inflation, foreign exchange volatility, and rising operational costs as reasons for the increase.

In a statement signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC condemned the move as ill-timed and detrimental to Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship.

“The NLC unequivocally condemns the federal government’s decision, through the NCC, to approve a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs. This decision, at a time when Nigerian workers and the masses are facing unprecedented economic hardship, is an assault on their welfare and a blatant prioritisation of corporate profits over citizens’ well-being,” the statement read.

The labour movement urged the federal government, the NCC, and the National Assembly to halt the implementation of the tariff hike and engage in further consultations. It also called on Nigerians to prepare for collective action, including a potential nationwide boycott of telecommunications services, to force a reversal.

Highlighting the financial burden, the NLC noted that telecom services are essential for communication, work, and access to information. For a worker earning the minimum wage of ₦70,000, telecom expenses could rise from ₦7,000 to ₦10,500 monthly, representing 15% of their salary.

“This hike exemplifies the government’s ease in prioritising corporate profits while neglecting citizens’ welfare. It is shocking that this approval was granted within a month, whereas it took nearly a year to approve the minimum wage adjustment for workers,” the NLC added.

The FCCPC, in a separate statement, underscored the need for transparency and tangible service enhancements following the tariff increase.

FCCPC Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, praised the NCC for reducing the proposed adjustment from over 100% to 50%, but stressed that consumer interests must remain a priority.

“We commend the NCC for linking the tariff adjustment to commensurate improvements in service quality and for requiring operators to ensure tariffs are straightforward, transparent, and free of hidden charges. Operators must clearly disclose the cost, validity period, and inclusions of all plans,” Ijagwu said.

The FCCPC also called on telecom operators to invest increased revenues in infrastructure development and better service delivery.

“Consumers consistently demand measurable improvements in network reliability, internet speeds, and customer service. It is crucial that this adjustment translates into visible benefits for subscribers who rely on telecoms for personal and business purposes,” Ijagwu added.

Despite the backlash, industry advocates, including the President of the Association of Telecommunications and IT Operators, Adede John Williams, supported the adjustment as a necessary measure to sustain the sector amidst economic pressures.

Williams commended the NCC and the Ministry of Communications for balancing industry sustainability with consumer protection, noting that the telecoms and ICT sectors remain crucial to Nigeria’s economic growth and foreign investment.

As the debate continues, the NLC has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers’ interests and preventing policies that deepen inequality. The FCCPC and NCC, meanwhile, have pledged to monitor the tariff implementation and ensure it aligns with regulatory standards and consumer expectations.