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 between the NLC and government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja on Monday.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had defended the tariff adjustment, citing rising operational costs caused by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and high energy prices. It argued that the increase was necessary for the financial stability of the telecom sector, as mandated by the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003.
However, the NLC strongly opposed the hike, describing it as insensitive and unjustifiable. The union demanded a reduction to 5% and threatened a nationwide protest if the government failed to comply.
After its National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero reiterated the union’s rejection of the tariff hike, insisting that it was an additional burden on Nigerians already struggling with economic hardship.
“The NAC completely rejects the 50% telecom tariff increase and condemns the NCC’s decision. This hike is unjustifiable and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general public,” Ajaero stated.
In response to the planned protest, telecom operators insisted the increase was essential for maintaining service quality and network expansion. The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo, emphasized that the new tariff was a “lifeline” for the industry.
Amid the standoff, the NLC mobilized electricity, aviation workers, and civil society groups for the demonstration. However, following Monday’s meeting, the union resolved to suspend the protest pending further discussions.
Ajaero disclosed that the government had agreed to form a broader committee, comprising five representatives from both sides, to review the telecom tariff structure. The committee is expected to present its findings within two weeks.
“The NLC is the largest organization in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us. The government has agreed to set up a wider committee to ensure an inclusive review of the tariff system,” Ajaero said.
He added that the NLC’s next steps, including potential protests, service boycotts, or other actions, would depend on the committee’s outcome.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that the NCC had conducted a study that led to the 50% tariff hike. He confirmed that both parties had agreed to examine the study before reaching a final resolution.
“The committee will review the NCC study, and in two weeks, it will present recommendations to both the government and Labour for consideration,” Idris stated.
With this development, the planned symbolic submission of protest letters has been put on hold. However, Ajaero noted that the NLC remains concerned about other pressing economic issues, including high electricity tariffs and excessive taxes on workers.
“These unresolved issues must still be addressed,” he emphasized.
Both parties will reconvene in two weeks to determine the next course of action based on the committee’s findings.
