The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has applauded the Federal Government, the Senate and the Nigerian Communications Commission for being sensitive to the yearnings of subscribers, who had decried the initial plan to abysmally increase data rate even at a time the economy is sick.
The TUC said this in a statement on Thursday.
It said in saner climes, the people are the centre of government’s policies and once they are negatively affected by any policy, the purpose of that very policy is defeated.
It added: “We expect government at all levels, agencies, co-operate organisations to be better focused and cautious this time because of the ripple effect the errors they make might have.
“It will be recalled that the labour movement and the civil society mobilised all their affiliates and the masses when the immediate past administration withdrew fuel subsidy in 2012. We did that because we viewed the policy as unfriendly and ill-timed, just like this very one. We do not want a repeat of 2012 protest.
“It is so sad that only the masses pay extra for any public services in the country. The rich live in luxury without any extra tax for their many businesses littered all over. It is instructive Congress reminds the government and NCC that the social media was instrumental in the ‘change’ we have today because virtually everyone had access to the data some now want to deny us.
“While we commend the Federal Government, senate and NCC for staying the policy, we urge them to do more in other areas. The hike in data rate idea should not only be suspended, but must done away with. The people are hungry, angry and frustrated and the only way they ease their pressure should not be denied. Thank you listening to the voice of reason.”
The statement was signed by the TUC’s President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama, and Acting Secretary General. Comrade Simeso Amachree.
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