NLC Suspends Nationwide Protest as FG Agrees to Review 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

 

NLC Suspends Nationwide Protest as FG Agrees to Review 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

Abuja, Nigeria – In a major development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest following a crucial meeting with the federal government over the controversial 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs. The meeting, held in Abuja, resulted in an agreement to establish a joint review committee to reassess the hike and present recommendations within two weeks.





Federal Government Bows to Pressure

The tariff increase, recently approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), sparked nationwide outrage, with the NLC condemning it as "insensitive" and "unjustifiable," especially amid Nigeria’s worsening economic crisis. The labor union had vowed to mobilize mass protests, arguing that higher telecom costs would further burden already struggling citizens.

However, in a bid to defuse tensions, the federal government, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, convened an emergency dialogue with the NLC leadership. After intense negotiations, both parties agreed to set up a 10-member review committee comprising five representatives from the government and five from the NLC.

“We have agreed to review the study that informed the tariff hike, and within two weeks, the committee will present its findings for final consideration,” Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, announced after the meeting.

Labour Unions Remain Vigilant

Despite suspending the protest, NLC President Joe Ajaero stressed that the union remains steadfast in addressing broader economic grievances, including high electricity tariffs, multiple taxation, and worsening inflation.



“The federal government had already concluded plans to increase tariffs before we intervened,” Ajaero stated. “While we have agreed to a review process, we will not hesitate to resume protests if the government fails to act in the interest of Nigerians.”

The NLC’s insistence on a structured review process signals a shift in negotiations, ensuring that labor representatives play a direct role in decision-making rather than reacting to policies after they are implemented.

Telecom Tariff Hike: The Controversy

The NCC’s approval of a 50% increase in telecom tariffs marked the first major price adjustment in over a decade. Telecom operators justified the hike, citing surging operational costs driven by inflation, forex fluctuations, and rising energy prices.

Industry experts estimate that Nigeria’s telecom sector, which contributes over 12% to the country’s GDP, has faced increasing financial strain. However, the abrupt tariff hike without stakeholder consultation triggered public outrage, prompting the NLC to demand an immediate reversal.

What Happens Next?

With the protest suspended, all eyes are now on the joint committee’s findings. The NLC has warned that if the review does not lead to a reduction or reconsideration of the tariff, fresh demonstrations, nationwide telecom boycotts, or even strikes could be back on the table.

For now, the government has bought itself two weeks of relative calm, but the final decision on telecom tariffs could determine whether the crisis escalates or is resolved through consensus.

The suspension of the protest may provide temporary relief, but the battle over telecom tariffs reflects deeper economic frustrations in Nigeria. As the country grapples with inflation and increasing costs of living, the coming weeks will be critical in shaping future policies on consumer pricing and government-labor relations.

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