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NLC Calls Off Planned Protest Over Telecom Tariff Increase, Give Reasons

Published by Tope Fakinlede on February 4th, 2025.

NLC Calls Off Planned Protest Over Telecom Tariff Increase, Give Reasons

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has decided to suspend its planned protest against the recent 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs. This decision follows a meeting between the NLC and a Federal Government delegation, headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on Monday.

In a statement issued by Seguin Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations in the office of the SGF, the meeting aimed to foster industrial peace and safeguard the interests of Nigerians. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who represented the Federal Government, explained that the purpose was to review the study conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which resulted in the tariff increase.

After thorough discussions, both parties agreed to establish a 10-member committee, with five members from the Federal Government and five from the NLC. The committee will examine the study and present its findings within two weeks.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, confirmed that the union would await the committee’s report before deciding on any further action. The two groups will meet regularly over the next two weeks to finalize their recommendations for government and organized labour consideration.

Key figures at the meeting included Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijanni; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The NLC had initially planned a nationwide rally on February 4, 2025, to protest the telecom tariff hike, citing the strain on Nigerians already grappling with rising inflation, fuel prices, and other economic challenges.