The Tinubu Media Volunteers have berated the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for planning to embark on a nationwide protest over the 50% tariff hike by the telecommunication service providers.
In a statement signed by its Chairman Chukwudi Enekwechi and Secretary Shedrach Sunday, the group noted that it was surprising that NLC was taking that line of action.
It said: “We are indeed surprised that the NLC will contemplate embarking on a protest over an issue that is clearly private-sector driven.
“It must be recalled that the telecommunication companies are into business. They have invested in the acquisition of licenses, with some having to obtain huge bank loans at high interest rates to procure gadgets and expand their businesses.
“Similarly, the companies have in a bid to improve their services as well as expand their networks found the need to increase their tariffs to a rate commensurate to what obtains in many African countries, and rather than seeing the move in the realm of pure business venture, the Nigeria Labour Congress has chosen to once again delve into a matter that should not be blamed on government.
“It is, for us, a case of misplaced aggression on the part of the NLC to pick up the gauntlet at every turn and blame the federal government for the tariff hike.
“In reality, the tariff increase is in response to market realities, locally and globally. It must also be borne in mind that over time, the operational costs of telecommunication companies have increased, hence the need to increase the tariff for more efficiency in their service delivery.
“We therefore implore the NLC to rescind its decision to embark on a nationwide protest on February 4, 2025 as it will be counterproductive and inimical to the numerous efforts of the federal government to reform the country’s economy and make life better for the people.”
TMV urged NLC to note that the federal government is only a regulator of the sector and, therefore, not in a position to dictate or fix tariffs for operators who are looking for returns on their investments
