NLC Suspends Planned Protest Over 50% Telecom Tariff hike As FG Sets Up Committee

Tuesday February 4, 2025 | TheNewsDESK

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has suspended its planned protests against the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, pending further discussions with the federal government.

NLC President Joe Ajaero disclosed the decision after a meeting between the union and government officials at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja.

The labour union, which had earlier threatened to mobilise nationwide demonstrations, agreed to step back following assurances that a broader committee would be constituted to reassess the tariff structure.

Ajaero insisted that as the largest labour organisation in Africa, the union could not be sidelined in any stakeholder consultations regarding policies that directly affect Nigerian workers and the general public.

He stated that the newly proposed committee would ensure a more inclusive and realistic framework for telecom pricing, addressing the concerns raised by the union.

While the planned symbolic submission of protest letters has been put on hold, Ajaero emphasised that this suspension does not signal an end to its agitation against policies that impose financial strain on Nigerians.

The labour body reiterated its opposition to rising electricity tariffs and excessive taxation, which it described as major obstacles to workers’ welfare and economic stability.

He further further warned that the next course of action—including protests, service boycotts, or even withdrawal of labour—would be determined by the committee’s final recommendations.

Until then, Ajaero said the NLC remained on high alert, closely monitoring the developments to ensure that workers’ interests are adequately protected.