NLC Suspends Planned Nationwide Protest Over Telecom Tariff Hike
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the 50% increase in telecom tariffs following a meeting with government representatives on Monday at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja.
The telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), defended the hike, citing inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and rising energy costs as factors affecting telecom operators. However, the NLC strongly rejected the increase, calling it insensitive and unjustifiable while demanding a reduction to 5% .
After extensive deliberations, the government and NLC agreed to set up a committee comprising five representatives from each side to review the tariff structure. The committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks, determining the next course of action.
NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the union’s next steps—including protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals—will depend on the committee’s outcome . While the symbolic submission of protest letters has been put on hold, Ajaero emphasized that the union remains concerned about other pressing economic issues, including high electricity tariffs and burdensome taxation on workers.
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), which had initially backed the protest, also suspended its planned demonstrations after reviewing the economic realities facing telecom operators. A forensic assessment by a technical committee revealed that telecom providers had not increased tariffs since 2013 despite harsh economic conditions, rising operational costs, and foreign exchange instability.
As discussions continue, the government and NLC will reconvene in two weeks to determine the final resolution on the telecom tariff hike.
