…Demands Prompt Implementation Of 35% Telecommunication Tariff As Agreed.
…Mulls Rebranding, Merger Of Labour Party
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to resist any attempt by the Federal Government to further subject the masses to what it described as “unjustified extortion,” through its proposed regularisation of electricity tariffs.
This was as the NLC has advised government to direct the prompt implementation of the 35 percent hike in telecommunication tariff as agreed by the 10 man joint committee set up to look at the 50 percent hike earlier proposed and eventually effected by telecommunication companies operating in the country.
Congress made the calls in a communique signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Yola, Adamawa State, convened to commission its Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) driven Mass Transit Buses for the North East Zone.
The meeting according to the communique, also deliberated on pressing economic onslaught being waged against Nigerian workers and the downtrodden by the neoliberal policies of some state institutions, specifically the recent hike in telecommunications tariffs and the disturbing plot to further increase electricity tariffs.
While condemning the plan to forcefully migrate consumers from lower bands to Band A under the guise of service improvement, the NLC warned that it would engage in a nationwide protest should the ministry of power and the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC), proceed with the planned regularisation.
The communique reads: “Having extensively discussed these existential threats to the working class and the broader Nigerian masses, NEC-in-session resolves as follows: On the 35% Tariff Hike in Telecommunications Services: NEC acknowledges the agreement reached on February 21, 2025, between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the federal government through the Joint 10-Man Committee, which reduced the initially proposed telecommunications tariff hike from 50% to 35%.
“However, the Congress remains vigilant, recognizing the long history of infidelity. NEC categorically warns that should the implementation of the agreement on March 1, 2025 not be as agreed, the National Administrative Council (NAC) is mandated to immediately deploy all necessary instruments to enforce compliance in line with the February 10th, 2025 Central Working Committee (CWC) directive.
“On the Migration of Electricity Consumers with a view to increasing tariff: NEC unequivocally rejects the ongoing sham reclassification of electricity consumers by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which seeks to forcefully migrate consumers from lower bands to Band A under the guise of service improvement while, in reality, imposing unjustified extortion on the masses.
“This systematic exploitation, sanctioned by the Ministry of Power, is nothing short of economic violence against the working class and broader Nigerian populace. It is evident that the ruling elite, acting as enforcers of global monopoly capital, are determined to further deepen the misery of the Nigerian people through incessant tariff hikes, increased taxation, and relentless economic strangulation.
“Whereas inflation has soared, wages remain stagnant, and the cost of living has become unbearable, the ruling class continues to transfer the burden of their fiscal irresponsibility onto the already impoverished working masses.
“NEC-in-session warns that any attempt to announce further electricity tariff increases will be met with mass resistance. Consequently, the Congress resolves to immediately mobilize for a nationwide protest should the Ministry of Power and NERC proceed with their exploitative plan to further hike electricity tariffs under any guise.
“The NLC shall not stand idly by while the Nigerian people are subjected to the unholy machinations of capitalist profiteers and their state collaborators.”
On the State of the Labour Party, Congress noted that after carefully examining the unfortunate events in the Party, NEC-in-session directed the National Administrative Council (NAC) to take immediate steps which may include; rebranding, merger or forming of Coalitions to defend the interests of NLC and Nigerian workers in the Party with a view to reclaiming the Party and returning it to its original ideological roots.
“The Congress will not allow the Labour Party to be hijacked by reactionary forces who do not represent the aspirations of the working people and broader Nigerian People. The NLC remains committed to ensuring that the Party remains a true vehicle for the emancipation of Nigerian workers and the oppressed masses.”
In a general call to action, “NEC reaffirms the historical responsibility of the working class to resist all forms of exploitation and oppression. It calls on all affiliates, industrial unions, and progressive allies to remain on high alert and fully prepared to engage in decisive mass action against all anti-people policies of the state.
“The Congress reiterates that no society can sustainably develop under a regime of corporate plunder and neoliberal enslavement. The Nigerian working people must, therefore, remain resolute, organized, and uncompromising in the collective struggle for a fair and equitable Nigeria where the dominance of fat cats at the expense of the masses will be greatly reduced to create a socioeconomic balance.”
Echezona Okafor.
