By Abigail Philip David
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs approved by the Federal Government.
The decision followed a meeting on Monday between labour representatives and government officials at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had justified the tariff hike, citing rising operational costs due to inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and increasing energy expenses. The commission emphasized that the adjustment aligns with its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, to ensure the telecom sector’s financial sustainability.
However, the NLC rejected the increase, arguing that it was unjustified and would further burden Nigerians. The union initially called for a reduction to 5% and threatened a nationwide protest.
Following extensive discussions, the NLC’s National Administrative Council reiterated its opposition to the hike, describing it as “harsh and insensitive.” NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized that the labour union would not accept the tariff adjustment, warning that Nigerian workers were already struggling under worsening economic conditions.
Telecom operators, however, defended the increase, arguing that it was necessary to sustain service quality amid rising operational costs. The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, likened the situation to “giving someone who needs 100 litres of oxygen only a fraction—barely enough to survive.”
In response to the NLC’s demands, the government agreed to form a review committee comprising five representatives from both sides. The committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.
Ajaero stated that the NLC would base its next course of action—whether protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals—on the committee’s recommendations.
Meanwhile, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), which initially supported the protest, also suspended its planned demonstrations after a high-level meeting with the NCC. The council’s 11-man delegation reviewed telecom operators’ financial records and operational costs, leading to a reassessment of its position.
Findings revealed that telecom tariffs had remained unchanged since 2013 despite inflation and increasing energy costs. The NCSCN subsequently formed a five-member technical team to conduct a forensic review of telecom service providers’ financial statements before making further decisions.
As discussions continue, the labour union remains vocal about other economic concerns, including high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation on workers, urging the government to address these pressing issues.
