FG raises panel on telecom tariff hike as NLC suspends protest

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said it suspended its planned one-day protest against a 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs to allow further dialogue.
The NLC was set to begin the protest this morning across the 36 states of the federation, including Abuja.

However, following a meeting with government officials at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday night, the NLC resolved to halt the demonstration pending further discussions.

Confirming the suspension of the protest and the reason behind it, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the meeting agreed to set up a larger committee to review the entire tariff structure.

He explained that the committee will be composed of five representatives from both sides and is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.

Ajaero added: “We emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand. On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to examine the entire tariff structure and develop a realistic and all-inclusive agreement. So, the committee will be made up of five representatives from both sides and is expected to present its findings after two weeks. That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement. The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow will be put on hold until the outcome of the committee’s work.

“The outcome of the committee’s work will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, boycott, and even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we have put forward.”

He added that the union’s next steps, including protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals, would depend on the committee’s findings.

While the planned symbolic submission of protest letters has been put on hold, Ajaero noted that the NLC remains concerned about other pressing economic issues, including electricity tariffs and burdensome taxes on workers.

The NLC chief also disclosed that the congress had expressed its displeasure over the high electricity tariffs and the planned tax regime.

He insisted that all unresolved labour-related matters must be addressed.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting, which was made available to The Guardian, a 10-man committee was formed to negotiate unresolved issues.

It read in part: “Arising from the meeting convened by the Federal Government of Nigeria on the proposed 50 per cent hike in telecommunications tariffs in the country, which the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly opposed, citing its potential negative impact on Nigerian workers and the economy, with a threat to proceed with a one-day nationwide mass protest, the following resolutions were reached: That there is a need for the parties to sit together in a technical group to resolve most of the contentious issues raised during the discussion; consequently, a 10-man joint committee was set up, comprising five (5) representatives each from the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).”

The committee was given two weeks, starting from February 3, 2025, to conclude and submit its report.

The NLC, therefore, urged Nigerians to remain calm while the committee completes its assignment.

The communique was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; NLC President, Joe Ajaero; and the General Secretary of the NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja.