Abuja, Feb. 3, 2025 – The Federal Government is set to meet with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) today in a last-minute bid to halt the nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, over the recent 50 percent hike in telecommunications tariffs.
A reliable source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the meeting is scheduled for 5 p.m. and will be an inter-ministerial dialogue with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). The discussion will focus on addressing concerns raised by the NLC and other stakeholders regarding the tariff adjustment approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on January 20, 2025.
The NLC, in collaboration with its affiliates and other concerned groups, has been mobilizing workers and the general public for a mass protest against the tariff increase. In a circular issued last Thursday, NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja directed all affiliate unions and state councils to rally support, emphasizing the need to send a strong message to the government.
The tariff hike has been met with widespread opposition from telecom subscribers, with the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATCOMS), led by Adeolu Ogunbanjo, announcing plans to challenge the federal government’s decision in court. Ogunbanjo has argued that any tariff increment should not exceed 10 percent, citing the prevailing economic hardship in the country.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has defended the tariff adjustment, attributing it to global inflation and rising operational costs in the telecommunications sector.
As tensions rise ahead of the planned protest, all eyes will be on today’s meeting, where both parties will seek a resolution to prevent further disruptions in the country’s telecom industry and broader economy.
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