NLC Calls Off Protest as Telecom Subscribers Accept 35% Tariff Increase
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned protest scheduled for March 1, 2025, after reaching an agreement with the Federal Government on a 35% increase in telecommunications tariffs, The PUNCH reports.
The decision was welcomed by the National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers (NATCOMS), which, while acknowledging the reduction from an initial 50% hike, urged the government to provide further relief measures.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had announced the tariff increase on January 20, 2025, marking the first major adjustment in over a decade. Telecom operators, struggling with rising operational costs due to inflation and currency depreciation, had initially proposed a 100% increase before government intervention.
According to NLC insiders, negotiations led to the compromise, reducing the proposed 50% hike to 35%. A 10-member committee was set up to finalize the agreement.
An NLC source confirmed, “The 50% hike has been reduced to 35% as agreed by the committee.” When asked about the protest, the source responded, “That should be obvious.”
However, Lagos State NLC Chairperson, Funmi Sessi, criticized the decision, arguing that any increase should be gradual and not exceed 15%, given the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
Meanwhile, NATCOMS President Adeolu Ogunbanjo welcomed the reduction but emphasized the need for further relief measures, noting that consumer advocacy played a role in securing the 15% reduction.
The NCC and industry groups have yet to officially comment on the matter.
