WATCH THE VIDEO HERE The National Association of Telecommunication Subscribers (NATCOMS) has distanced itself from the planned industrial action by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against the recently approved telecommunication tariff hike. According to NATCOMS President, Mr Deolu Ogunbanjo, in a statement on Thursday, the proposed protest was unnecessary, warning that it could send negative signals to investors. Earlier this week, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent tariff adjustment in response to rising operational costs following over 11 years of discussion. The move has raised worries and one of the parties which have been vocal about is NATCOMS. The subscribers’ group and the labour union criticized the move, describing it as excessive and burdensome for Nigerian consumers. On the part of the union, Mr Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, called on the industry regulator and the National Assembly to halt the 50 per cent implementation, urging Nigerian workers and the public to reject the hike, suggesting a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services as a possible course of action. “This is for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people. The NLC remains resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses. “We will resist this injustice and demand that the government prioritizes the interests of its citizens over corporate interests,” Mr Ajaero said. But NATCOMS has advocated legal action and not the proposed protest. “We do not support the Nigerian Labour Congress’ call for industrial action. No, we don’t! NATCOMS is not in support,” Mr Ogunbanjo stated. “To investors and businesses, it is a wrong signal. Negotiation is still ongoing, and the tariff hike is scheduled for February. We still have eight days,” he added. Business Post had reported that NATCOMS is engaging with the NCC to find a resolution and is prepared to approach the courts if consultations fail.
Proposed NLC Protest Over Tariff Hike Unnecessary—Subscribers
