Chinyere Bassey
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Tuesday urged the Federal Government not to increase the cost of data to avoid further pressure on mobile telephone users.
Mr Bobooi Kaigama, the President of the congress made the call in a statement in Lagos.
Kaigama said that the decision of government to jerk up the cost of data could increase insecurity, adding that “it is unacceptable’’.
Telecommunication companies have been sending out messages to subscribers that they will increase data rate on Dec. 1, in line with the Nigeria Communications Communication order.
Kaigama said that the increase in rate would further frustrate the people who were already burdened by high cost of goods and services.
“We feel worried about the move because data is one of the cheapest ways to empower the teaming youth.
“This move if allowed will make it unaffordable. This is insensitive on the part of the parties involved,” the TUC President said.
He further said that government should increase awareness for citizens’ participation in Information Communication Technology (ICT) rather than dampen their spirit to embrace the technology.
According to him, the decision if implemented will obstruct the drive to increase youth’s participation in ICT.
“What then will be the benefit of the policy to the self employed who depend on data for their businesses?.
“Cheap internet data is a vehicle to economic development. It is very unfortunate and inhuman to come up with such idea at a period of recession,” he said.
Kaigama said that any call for increase in prices of goods and services at the moment was uncalled for.
He therefore urged the government to create policies that would encourage investment and stimulate growth and boost businesses instead.
