NLC Puts Planned Demonstration on Hold Amid Controversy Over Telecom Tariff Surge

In a move that underscores the delicate balance between economic policy and public dissent, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has opted to suspend its scheduled demonstration against the recent 50% spike in telecommunication tariffs. This decision emerged following high-level discussions with a Federal Government delegation, spearheaded by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on Monday.
According to a communiqué issued by Segun Imohiosen, the Director of Information & Public Relations in the SGF’s office, the deliberations were aimed at preserving industrial tranquility while safeguarding the interests of Nigerian citizens grappling with rising costs.
During the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, articulated the government’s stance, explaining that the tariff increase stemmed from an in-depth assessment conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). He assured stakeholders that the objective was not arbitrary but rooted in economic realities that necessitated the adjustment.
After exhaustive negotiations, both parties reached a consensus to establish a 10-member review panel—comprising five representatives each from the Federal Government and the NLC. Their mandate is to meticulously reassess the NCC study that justified the tariff escalation and present their findings within a two-week timeframe.
“So essentially, both the Labour Congress and the government’s delegation have constituted a committee with equal representation. Over the next fortnight, we will engage in continuous dialogue and scrutiny, culminating in a set of recommendations for final appraisal by both the government and organized labour,” the Minister stated.
In response, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero emphasized that the union remains vigilant, awaiting the committee’s findings before determining its next course of action.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijanni; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, among others.
Prior to this development, the NLC had declared a nationwide protest slated for Tuesday, February 4, 2025, as a direct response to the NCC’s approval of the telecom tariff increase. The labour union had decried the move as an undue financial burden on an already beleaguered populace, contending that it exacerbates existing economic hardships marked by astronomical fuel prices, exorbitant food costs, escalating electricity tariffs, and spiraling inflation—all of which disproportionately affect workers earning a minimum wage of ₦70,000.
While the decision to suspend the protest signals a temporary truce, the final resolution hinges on the outcome of the committee’s findings. For now, the Nigerian public watches closely, hopeful that meaningful resolutions will emerge from the negotiations.