Nigeria is once again at a tipping point as the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide protest in response to rising telecom tariffs, economic hardship, and widespread frustrations over government policies that have left many citizens reeling. The protests, which began today across major cities, reflect deep-seated grievances and a growing demand for accountability and relief from escalating costs of living.
🔥 Background to the Protest
The immediate trigger for the protest is the recent hike in telecom tariffs, a move the NLC has labeled as “insensitive and exploitative”. The tariff adjustment, implemented by major telecom operators, has seen sharp increases in call and data charges — a lifeline for millions of Nigerians in both urban and rural areas.
However, the telecom issue is just the spark that lit a powder keg. Beneath the surface, the protests are driven by:
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Unrelenting inflation
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Soaring fuel and electricity costs
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Worsening unemployment
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Increased insecurity
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Government austerity measures perceived as anti-poor
The NLC, in a press statement, described the protests as a “rescue mission for the Nigerian people”.
📍 Protest Hotspots and Nationwide Spread
From Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, and Kaduna, demonstrators have taken to the streets, wielding placards and chanting slogans demanding change. In Lagos, the protest began as early as 7 a.m., with crowds gathering at Ikeja under-bridge and Alausa Secretariat.
In Abuja, the protest kicked off at the Unity Fountain and proceeded peacefully toward the National Assembly complex. NLC President Joe Ajaero, who led the Abuja rally, emphasized that the demonstration is “a peaceful expression of collective pain” and called on the government to reverse the tariff hike and engage with stakeholders.
📢 What the Protesters Are Demanding
Here are the core demands of the NLC and affiliated unions:
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Immediate reversal of the telecom tariff hikes
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Reduction in fuel and electricity prices
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Increased minimum wage and better welfare packages for workers
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Stronger regulation of essential services to prevent exploitative pricing
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Urgent government intervention to tackle food insecurity and inflation
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A stop to perceived privatization of public services without accountability
According to the NLC, the government must “put the people before profits” and stop policies that continue to impoverish the masses.
📈 The Economic Context
Nigeria is grappling with one of its worst economic crises in decades. Inflation hit 27.3% in March 2025, with food inflation reaching 37%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The Naira has also experienced significant devaluation, affecting import prices and spiking the cost of living.
These conditions have led to a situation where the average Nigerian family is struggling to afford basic needs like food, transport, and communication. In this context, any increase in tariffs feels like an additional burden.
🧠 Expert Opinions
Economic analysts warn that without urgent reforms, Nigeria risks deeper economic and social instability. Dr. Olayemi Bankole, an economist at the University of Lagos, stated:
“The government must re-evaluate its fiscal policies and the regulatory approach to essential services. Liberalization must not translate into exploitation.”
On the telecom tariff issue, experts argue that while infrastructure costs have risen for telecom companies, cost-sharing must be balanced with social responsibility, especially in a country with over 200 million people, most of whom live below the poverty line.
🤝 Government Reaction
The federal government has called for calm, saying it is in dialogue with relevant stakeholders, including telecom operators and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said:
“We acknowledge the people’s concerns. The President is committed to easing the economic burden and is reviewing the tariff structure to ensure fairness.”
However, the NLC remains skeptical, accusing the government of “paying lip service” to the people’s suffering and not taking concrete steps to reverse harmful policies.
🛑 Telecom Operators Speak Out
Major telecom operators, including MTN Nigeria, Airtel, and Glo, have defended the new tariff regime, citing increased operational costs, including energy prices, equipment import duties, and currency depreciation.
A statement from the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) read:
“The tariff review was necessary to sustain quality of service and network expansion. We are open to dialogue with the government and other stakeholders.”
Yet, for millions of Nigerians, the timing of the increase is tone-deaf, given the broader economic hardship.
✊ Civil Society and Public Sentiment
The protests have gained strong support from civil society organizations, students’ unions, market associations, and everyday Nigerians. Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok are awash with protest videos and hashtags such as #EndTariffHike, #NLCProtest2025, and #FixNigeriaNow.
Public sentiment is overwhelmingly in favor of the protest. Many see it as a people’s movement reminiscent of the #EndSARS protests of 2020.
⚖️ Police and Security Situation
So far, the protests have been largely peaceful, although there are reports of tight security deployments in several cities. In Lagos, riot police were stationed at key locations, and in Abuja, surveillance drones were spotted monitoring protest routes.
The Inspector General of Police has directed officers to “exercise restraint and professionalism”, warning against any form of brutality.
🔮 What’s Next?
The NLC has stated that the protest is just the beginning. If the government fails to address their demands, they may escalate to a full national strike, potentially grounding economic activity.
The union gave the government a 14-day ultimatum, after which they plan to mobilize even larger nationwide actions, including shutdowns of airports, seaports, and other critical infrastructure.
🗣️ Voices from the Protest
Mary, 29 – Trader in Kaduna
“I can’t afford data anymore. My children can’t do online homework. This country is becoming unbearable.”
Adewale, 42 – Civil Servant in Ibadan
“They keep increasing things but salaries remain the same. We are just surviving, not living.”
Blessing, 24 – Student at UNN
“Education is suffering. Everything is expensive. We need real change, not promises.”
💡 Analysis: A Tipping Point?
This protest marks a critical juncture in Nigeria’s democratic evolution. While protests over economic issues aren’t new, the current wave cuts across class, tribe, and political lines. It is less about political opposition and more about survival, equity, and human dignity.
If the government fails to engage sincerely, the situation could spiral into widespread unrest or even civil disobedience — both of which have long-term implications for stability.
📌 Conclusion
The nationwide protest in Nigeria is not just about telecom tariffs. It is about the frustration of a people burdened by economic hardship and governmental policies that many see as disconnected from everyday realities.
Whether the government listens and takes corrective action remains to be seen. For now, the streets are speaking — and the message is loud and clear.
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