February 4, 2025
Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has to the disappointment of most Nigerians suspended its proposed nationwide protest originally slated for Tuesday February 4, against the recent 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs approved by the Federal Government.
According to the labour union, the planned rally scheduled for Tuesday February 4, was aborted following a meeting on Monday with government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja.
The telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, had cited rising operational costs driven by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations and higher energy expenses in defence of the 50 per cent tariff increase.
NCC, in a statement, said the adjustment was in line with its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003 to ensure the financial sustainability of the telecom sector.
NLC had condemned and rejected hike, describing it as insensitive and unjustifiable, arguing that it would impose an extra burden on Nigerian consumers and demanded a reduction to five per cent, threatening a nationwide protest if its demands were not met.
The union’s president, Joe Ajaero, reiterated its demand for a significant reduction after the National Administrative Council meeting of the NLC.
READ MORE;NLC Declares Mass Rally For Feb. 4 To Protest Telecom Tariff Hike
He said, “After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session totally rejects the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, which it considers too harsh for citizens. It, therefore, strongly condemns the Nigerian Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase.”
“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already suffering under worsening economic hardship caused by government policies beyond their control.”
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, NLC President, Ajaero, said the government had agreed to set up a larger committee to review the entire tariff structure.
According to him, the committee will be composed of five representatives from both sides and is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.
Ajaero stated, “We emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand. On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to look at the entire tariff structure as a model to come out with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.
“So, the committee will be made up of five representatives, from both sides and expected to come out with a result after two weeks. That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement.’’
He added that the union’s next steps, including protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals, would depend on the outcome of the committee’s work.
