The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs following a meeting with government representatives in Abuja. The protest, originally scheduled for Tuesday, was halted after the government agreed to form a committee to review the telecom tariff structure.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had earlier defended the increase, citing inflation, forex volatility, and rising energy costs as factors necessitating the adjustment. However, the NLC rejected the hike, calling it insensitive and a burden on Nigerian consumers, and initially vowed to stage mass protests unless the increase was reduced to 5%.
After an extensive deliberation on Monday, the NLC and government representatives agreed to form a committee with five representatives from both sides. This committee will review the telecom pricing model and present its findings within two weeks.
Labour’s Next Steps Amid Economic Concerns
NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized that while the protest was suspended, further action including boycotts, service withdrawals, or renewed demonstrations would depend on the outcome of the committee’s findings. He also highlighted other unresolved economic concerns, such as high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation, stressing that these issues must be addressed to ease the burden on Nigerian workers.
Meanwhile, the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) insists that the tariff hike is critical for sustaining network operations, given the rising cost of service delivery. ALTON Chairman Gbenga Adebayo compared the increase to a lifeline for survival, ruling out further reductions despite labour’s pressure.
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, which had initially supported the protest, also withdrew its participation following discussions with the NCC. The council stated that after reviewing the economic realities facing telecom operators, it reconsidered its stance.
As the newly formed committee deliberates, all eyes remain on the government and labour unions to determine whether telecom tariffs will be reduced or remain unchanged.
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