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Telecom tariff hike: Odinkalu mocks NLC over threat to shutdown telcos

Hours after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) threatens to embark on industrial action over the recent 50% tariff hike by telecommunications companies, former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Odinkalu has dismissed the threat as empty.

Reacting to the news of the threat by NLC to begin a strike in protest of the implementation of the 50% tariff hike by telecommunication companies, Odinkalu said via his X handle: “Please, is anyone keeping count of the number of strikes threatened & called off by this leadership of my@nlcnig…?!”

 

The NLC had claimed it reached an agreement with the Federal Government and the Nigerian Communications Commission to suspend the increment until discussions with all the stakeholders. After the telecommunication companies begin implementation of the new tariff regime, NLC threatened to mobilise its members to shutdown the telcos.

In a communique signed by President of NLC, Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the NLC accused telecom firms of betraying trust and disregarding due process by implementing the hike before the agreed-upon review was completed.

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The Congress also criticized the government for failing to protect citizens from corporate exploitation.

Also, NLC reviewed the Tax Reform Bills, warning against policies that could further burden Nigerian workers.

While acknowledging the need for fiscal reforms, the Congress vowed to push for fair and worker-friendly tax policies.

The NLC warned that if the tariff hike is not reversed by February 28, 2025, they will commence a nationwide shutdown from March 1. The Congress also urged civil society groups and all Nigerians to join the protest against exploitative economic policies.