UPDATED: NLC Suspends Planned Protest Against Telecom Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its proposed nationwide protest over the recent telecom tariff hike following new developments in negotiations.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its planned protest against the 50 percent increase in telecommunication tariffs.

The decision was made following a meeting on Monday between the labor union and a Federal government delegation headed by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

According to a statement issued by Seguin Imohiosen, the Director of Information and Public Relations in the SGF’s office, the meeting was intended to uphold industrial harmony and safeguard the interests of Nigerians.

He stated that Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, representing the Federal Government, mentioned that the meeting’s aim was to examine the NCC study responsible for prompting a 50 percent increase in telecommunications tariffs.

After considerable discussion, the two parties decided to establish a 10-member committee, consisting of five representatives from the Federal Government and five from the NLC. This committee is tasked with reviewing the study and submitting its report within two weeks.

In summary, Labour and the Nigerian Labour Congress, along with a federal government delegation, have established committees of five members each. We plan to meet continuously over the next two weeks. At the end of this period, we will present recommendations for final consideration by both the government and organized labour,” he stated.

The NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, stated that the union will hold off on deciding its next steps until the Committee releases its findings.

Attending the meeting were Bosun Tijanni, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy; Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Dr. Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment; Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and National Planning; Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser; among others.

Last Wednesday, the NLC announced plans to hold a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025. This demonstration is in response to the recent approval by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs.

The NLC stated that the rally aims to warn about the repercussions of enforcing such an unjust increase on a population already burdened by earning just ₦70,000 as minimum wage. This is compounded by their struggle with exorbitant petrol prices, soaring food costs, increased electricity tariffs, and overall rising inflation.