The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs (telecom tarrifs), which was set to take place today, February 4.
This decision comes after a productive meeting between NLC representatives and government officials at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja on Monday.
The controversial tariff hike, approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), was defended by the telecom regulator as a necessary response to rising operational costs, including inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and higher energy prices.
The NCC emphasized that the adjustment was in line with its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, to ensure the financial sustainability of Nigeria’s telecom sector.
However, the NLC strongly rejected the increase, criticizing it as unjustifiable and a heavy burden on Nigerian consumers.
The labour union had previously threatened a mass protest if the tariff hike was not reversed, demanding a reduction to just 5%. NLC President Joe Ajaero described the hike as “insensitive” and “too harsh” for the average Nigerian, particularly amid ongoing economic hardships.
During the National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting, Ajaero reiterated the union’s stance, emphasizing that the hike was a direct attack on workers already grappling with government-imposed economic challenges.
“This decision is a blatant disregard for the suffering of the people,” Ajaero said, calling for an immediate reduction.
Despite the NLC’s firm opposition, telecom operators maintained that the hike was essential for maintaining service quality and supporting the expansion of networks in the face of a challenging economic environment.
Gbenga Adebayo, Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, emphasized that the increase was crucial for the survival of the industry, likening it to “oxygen” necessary to keep the sector alive.
To bolster its protest efforts, the NLC had mobilized workers from the electricity and aviation sectors, along with civil society groups.
However, following Monday’s talks, the union agreed to suspend the planned protest pending further discussions. Ajaero announced that both sides had agreed to establish a broader committee to review the entire telecom tariff structure.
The committee, comprising five representatives from both the NLC and the government, will assess the situation and present its findings in two weeks.
Ajaero stressed that the NLC, as Africa’s largest labor organization, must be included in any decision-making process that impacts workers, and he emphasized the importance of reaching a fair and inclusive agreement.
“We are holding off on any symbolic actions, including the submission of protest letters, until we have the results of this committee’s work,” Ajaero explained.
“Based on their findings, we will determine our next course of action, which could include protests, boycotts, or even service withdrawals.”
While the protest has been postponed, the NLC remains vocal on other pressing economic issues, including high electricity tariffs and burdensome tax policies that it claims are “killing workers.”
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Ajaero confirmed that these issues remain on the union’s agenda and need urgent attention.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that the NCC had conducted a study justifying the 50% tariff hike. He revealed that both the government and the NLC had agreed to further review this study through the newly established committee.
Idris stated, “The aim is to come up with a final resolution by the end of two weeks, at which point both parties will consider the study and the broader implications for the public.”
Meanwhile, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCCN), which had initially supported the NLC’s protest, also reversed its position after meeting with the NCC.
Following a thorough review of the economic realities facing telecom operators, the council announced its decision to suspend the planned protest, signaling a shift towards dialogue rather than confrontation.
As the clock ticks toward the committee’s deadline, all eyes remain on the negotiations, with many hoping for a resolution that can balance the interests of telecom companies, consumers, and the broader public.
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