Telecom Tariff Hike: NLC Halts Protest as FG Plans Review Panel
Written by Olakunle Oke on February 4, 2025
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned protest against the recent telecom tariff hike, following a meeting with the Federal Government. The government has agreed to set up a review panel to examine the tariff increase, which has been a contentious issue in the country.
The NLC had threatened to embark on a nationwide protest if the government failed to reverse the tariff hike. However, after a meeting with the government, the labour union agreed to put the protest on hold, pending the outcome of the review panel.
“We have agreed to suspend our planned protest, following the government’s agreement to set up a review panel,” said NLC President, Joe Ajaero. “We expect the panel to look into the tariff increase and ensure that it is fair and reasonable.”
The government has assured the NLC that the review panel will comprise representatives from the government, the NLC, and other stakeholders. The panel will examine the tariff increase and make recommendations to the government.
“We understand the concerns of the NLC and other stakeholders, and we are committed to finding a solution that works for everyone,” said Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami. “The review panel will look into the tariff increase and make recommendations to the government.”
The telecom tariff hike has been a contentious issue in Nigeria, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the increase. The government has defended the hike, saying it is necessary to ensure the survival of the telecom industry.
However, the NLC and other stakeholders have argued that the tariff hike will have a negative impact on Nigerians, particularly low-income earners. They have called on the government to reverse the tariff hike, citing the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
The NLC has warned that if the review panel does not produce a favourable outcome, it will resume its protest. The labour union has also threatened to mobilize its members for a nationwide strike if the government fails to address the issue.
“We will not hesitate to take action if the government fails to address our concerns,” said Ajaero. “We will mobilize our members and take to the streets to protest the tariff hike.”
The development comes as Nigerians continue to grapple with the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The telecom tariff hike has added to the economic burden faced by many Nigerians, who are already struggling to make ends meet.
The Federal Government has come under pressure to reverse the tariff hike, with many Nigerians taking to social media to express their outrage. The government has defended the hike, saying it is necessary to ensure the survival of the telecom industry.
However, the NLC and other stakeholders have argued that the tariff hike will have a negative impact on Nigerians, particularly low-income earners. They have called on the government to reverse the tariff hike, citing the economic hardship faced by many Nigerians.
The review panel is expected to submit its report to the government within the next few weeks. The government has assured the NLC that it will implement the recommendations of the panel, pending the outcome of the review.
The development is a temporary reprieve for Nigerians, who have been grappling with the economic impact of the telecom tariff hike. However, the NLC and other stakeholders have warned that they will not hesitate to take action if the government fails to address their concerns.
