The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has put on hold its planned nationwide protest against the controversial 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs. The decision followed a high-level meeting with top government officials on Monday, February 4, 2025.
The meeting, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, was aimed at preventing widespread industrial unrest and addressing public concerns over the rising cost of communication services.
FG Moves to Avert Crisis
The meeting was attended by key government representatives, including Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, who emphasized the government’s commitment to balancing economic realities with the welfare of Nigerians.
“We recognize the economic strain on citizens, and this meeting is part of our effort to find a solution that works for both the telecom industry and the people,” Idris stated.
One of the major outcomes of the discussion was the decision to establish a 10-man committee to review the Nigeria Communications Commission’s (NCC) study, which justified the tariff hike. The committee, consisting of five members from the government and five from the NLC, has been given a two-week deadline to present its findings.
“So, the summary of it is that Labour and the Federal Government have set up a committee of five members each. We are going to meet continuously for the next two weeks. At the end of that period, we will come up with recommendations for final consideration,” Idris explained.
Labour Stands Its Ground
Although the NLC agreed to suspend the protest, its president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, maintained that the union would wait for the committee’s recommendations before deciding on its next course of action.
“The NLC remains committed to protecting Nigerian workers from unfair economic policies,” Ajaero asserted. “This tariff hike, coming at a time of high inflation, fuel price increases, and economic hardship, cannot be accepted without a thorough review.”
Backdrop of the Protest
The planned protest was triggered by the NCC’s recent approval of a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, a move justified by rising operational costs in the telecom sector. The hike had sparked outrage, with labour unions arguing that it would further burden Nigerians, especially those already struggling with high fuel prices, food inflation, and electricity tariff increases.
NLC had earlier issued a strong statement warning that the government’s decision to allow such an increment would have devastating consequences for low-income earners, particularly those earning the recently approved minimum wage of ₦70,000.
High-Level Government Presence
The importance of the meeting was underscored by the attendance of top government officials, including Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Bosun Tijanni, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Minister of Labour and Employment Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Also present was the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida.
Their involvement signaled the government’s recognition of the sensitivity of the issue and its potential to spark widespread protests if not handled carefully.
What Happens Next?
With the committee set to begin its work immediately, Nigerians will be keenly watching the outcome. The government is under pressure to find a balance between sustaining telecom businesses and preventing further economic hardship for the masses.
For now, the immediate threat of mass protests has been averted. However, the NLC has made it clear that its next steps will depend on the government’s handling of the committee’s recommendations.
