Activista Nigeria has expressed strong solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in its nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Abakpa Pius Ujadu, Activista Nigeria condemned the tariff hike, describing it as an unjustifiable decision that will worsen the economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians.
As of December 2024, Nigeria’s inflation rate stood at 34.8%, significantly eroding the purchasing power of citizens. Activista Nigeria highlighted that this steep rise in inflation has already made basic goods and services unaffordable for many, and the additional cost of telecommunications services would further strain household budgets.
The group outlined the far-reaching implications of the tariff increase, including economic strain on households, negative impacts on education due to limited access to online resources, and threats to the survival of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that rely on affordable communication for daily operations. Activista Nigeria also warned that the hike could deepen digital exclusion, particularly for low-income individuals.
The organization called on the government to suspend the tariff hike immediately and engage in meaningful dialogue with labor unions and civil society groups. It urged the implementation of policies to curb inflation, stabilize the economy, and protect the fundamental right to affordable communication.
Commending the NLC for its firm stance, Activista Nigeria encouraged all Nigerians to support the call for economic justice, warning that failure to act would have dire consequences for workers, students, small businesses, and vulnerable communities.
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Activista Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for policies that prioritize the well-being of citizens over corporate and government interests.
