The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its planned nationwide rally in response to the proposed 50% telecommunications tariff hike.
The decision follows successful discussions with the federal government aimed at addressing key concerns raised by the NLC regarding the tariff increase.
Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary of the NLC, announced the suspension of the rally directed to all state councils and affiliates of the union.
“Following our resolution, the Federal Government invited us to a meeting, where an agreement was reached to establish a 10-member committee to address key concerns raised by Congress,” Ugboaja said in the statement.
This intervention led the NLC to cancel the protest, with Ugboaja highlighting that the government had already conceded to some of the union’s demands, effectively addressing the issue without the need for the planned demonstration.
“As a result, our protest has already achieved success, as the government has conceded to some of our demands without the need for an actual demonstration,” he added.
The discussions between the federal government and the NLC culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU, reached during a meeting convened by the federal government, addresses the contentious issue of the proposed telecom tariff hike.
The NLC and the federal government have urged Nigerians to remain calm while the committee works on finding a lasting solution to the dispute.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January 2025, approved a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, marking the first such hike in over a decade. This decision was made in response to rising operational costs faced by telecom operators, including high inflation and currency devaluation.
The approved adjustments are:
Telecom operators have cited surging operational costs linked to inflation nearing 35% and a weakening naira currency as reasons for the tariff rise.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly opposed the tariff hike, labeling it “insensitive” and “unjustifiable,” particularly during a severe cost-of-living crisis intensified by President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms.