Greg Dyondun
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has put on hold its planned nationwide protest against the Federal Government’s approval of a 50% hike in telecom tariffs, following a crucial meeting with government officials in Abuja on Monday.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had defended the tariff increase, citing rising operational costs due to inflation, forex volatility, and surging energy expenses. The regulatory body argued that the adjustment aligns with its mandate to ensure the telecom sector’s financial viability.
However, the NLC swiftly opposed the hike, deeming it excessive and insensitive. Union President Joe Ajaero insisted that the increase would place an additional financial burden on Nigerians, calling for a rollback to a 5% hike instead. “This decision is unjustifiable and a direct attack on struggling Nigerian workers and citizens,” he declared.
Despite its hard stance, the NLC has agreed to suspend its protest pending the outcome of a newly constituted review panel. Following the Monday meeting, Ajaero announced that the government had consented to forming a committee of ten—five representatives from each side—to reassess the tariff structure. The panel is expected to deliver its findings within two weeks.
“The NLC is the largest labor organization in Africa. No stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still be deemed legitimate,” Ajaero asserted, adding that the union’s next steps would be determined by the committee’s recommendations.
Meanwhile, telecom operators remain adamant that the tariff revision is necessary for service quality and network expansion. The Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON) Chairman, Gbenga Adebayo, defended the increase, likening it to a critical life-support measure for the industry.
As discussions continue, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has also retracted its support for the protest after a high-level engagement with NCC officials. A forensic analysis of telecom operators’ financial records, conducted by the NCSCN’s technical committee, reportedly revealed that telecom tariffs have remained stagnant since 2013 despite inflation and economic challenges.
While the NLC has paused its protest plans, Ajaero stressed that other pressing economic concerns, including electricity tariffs and burdensome taxation, remain on the union’s agenda. The coming weeks will determine whether the proposed review will bring relief to Nigerian consumers or lead to renewed industrial action.
