NLC Suspends Planned Protest Over Telecom Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned protest against the 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs following a meeting with the Federal Government on February 3.

The meeting, led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, aimed to maintain industrial harmony and address public concerns over the tariff hike.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the discussion focused on the study conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which justified the tariff increase.

After extensive deliberation, both parties agreed to form a 10-man committee, with five representatives from the government and five from the NLC, to review the study and submit a report within two weeks.

“So, the summary of it is that Labour and the Nigerian Labour Congress specifically and the delegation of the federal government have set up a committee of five each. We are going to meet here continuously for the next two weeks. And at the end of the second week, we will now come up with a recommendation that we will give to government and the organised Labour for final consideration”, he said.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, stated that the union will wait for the committee’s findings before deciding on its next course of action.

The meeting was attended by key government officials, including Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijanni; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; NCC CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida; Minister of Labour, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of Budget, Atiku Bagudu; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The NLC had previously planned a nationwide mass rally on February 4, 2025, to protest the telecom tariff hike, citing its impact on an already struggling population facing rising fuel prices, high food costs, and inflation.