The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent hike in telecommunications tariffs following the Federal Government’s decision to set up a review panel to address the issue. The announcement came after a closed-door meeting between NLC officials and representatives of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in Abuja on Monday.
The tariff increase, which saw mobile data and call rates rise by an average of 20%, had sparked widespread outrage among Nigerians, with many describing it as ill-timed amid the current economic challenges. The NLC had initially vowed to mobilize workers and civil society groups for a mass protest, labeling the hike as “anti-people” and “insensitive.”
However, in a statement issued after the meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero confirmed the suspension of the protest, citing the government’s commitment to reviewing the tariff adjustment. “We have decided to give the government the benefit of the doubt and allow the review panel to do its work. However, we will not hesitate to resume our actions if the outcome does not align with the interests of the Nigerian people,” Ajaero said.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, assured Nigerians that the review panel would include representatives from the NLC, telecom operators, and consumer rights groups to ensure transparency and fairness. “The government is committed to protecting the interests of Nigerians while also ensuring the sustainability of the telecom sector,” Tijani stated.
Telecom operators had justified the tariff hike, citing rising operational costs, including the recent increase in electricity tariffs and the depreciation of the naira. However, critics argue that the move will further burden millions of Nigerians already struggling with the high cost of living.
The suspension of the protest has been met with mixed reactions. While some have commended the NLC for giving dialogue a chance, others have expressed skepticism about the government’s ability to deliver a favorable outcome. “We’ve seen similar promises in the past, but nothing changes. We hope this time will be different,” said Adeola Samuel, a Lagos-based telecom user.
As the review panel begins its work, Nigerians await its findings, hoping for a resolution that balances the needs of consumers with the realities of the telecom industry.
More details to follow as the situation develops.
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