The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called off its planned protest against the 50 percent increase in telecommunication tariffs.
This decision followed a meeting between the NLC and a Federal Government delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on Monday.
According to a statement from Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information & Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, the meeting aimed to maintain industrial harmony and protect the interests of Nigerians.
During the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who represented the Federal Government, explained that the purpose of the gathering was to review the study conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) that resulted in the 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs.
After thorough discussions, both parties agreed to establish a 10-member committee, with five representatives from the Federal Government and five from the NLC. The committee will review the NCC’s study and submit its findings within two weeks.
“Essentially, the NLC and the Federal Government delegation have set up a joint committee, consisting of five members from each side. We will convene regularly over the next two weeks, and at the end of this period, we will present our recommendations for final consideration by the government and organized labor,” said the statement.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, confirmed that the union will await the committee’s report before deciding on its next steps.
The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijanni; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (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.
The NLC had previously announced plans for a nationwide protest on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in opposition to the 50 percent telecom tariff hike approved by the NCC. The union expressed that the protest would highlight the burden such a steep increase places on a population already grappling with rising costs, including a minimum wage of just ₦70,000, soaring fuel prices, inflation, and increased electricity tariffs.
