Why NLC suspended planned nationwide protest against telecom tariff increase | READ DETAILS

Why NLC suspended planned nationwide protest against telecom tariff increase | READ DETAILS

The Nigeria Labour Congress has made a U-turn on its planned nationwide protest against the proposed 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs approved by the Federal Government.

Recall that the NLC led by it’s national president, Joe Ajaero, had scheduled Tuesday, February 4 for the protest. However, the union has called it off following a meeting with government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja, on Monday.

The telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission, had defended the 50 per cent tariff increase, citing rising operational costs driven by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and higher energy expenses.

However, the NLC rejected the tariff hike noting that;

“After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session totally rejects the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike, which it considers too harsh for citizens. It, therefore, strongly condemns the Nigerian Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase.”

“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already suffering under worsening economic hardship caused by government policies beyond their control.”

On the other hand, the Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria, Gbenga Adebayo, said;

“This increase is a lifeline that enables us to survive. Anything lower would be like giving someone who needs 100 litres of oxygen only a fraction—barely enough to keep them alive but insufficient for long-term survival”.

Speaking on the reasons for calling off the protest, Ajaero told journalists that;

“We emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand. On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to look at the entire tariff structure as a model to come out with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.

“So, the committee will be made up of five representatives, from both sides and expected to come out with a result after two weeks. That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement.’’

“The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow (today) will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee. The outcome of such a committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we put online,”.

He added that;

“We have also expressed our displeasure over the high electricity tariff and the unbearable tax regime, which is killing workers. These remain unresolved issues that must be addressed.”

On his own part, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said:

“The crux of the matter is that there is already a study that was conducted by the NCC that led them to arrive at this 50 per cent increase. Now, we are discussing this with Labour.

“Labour has agreed that they will look at that study, and then a small committee has been set up to look at that study once again and come up with a final resolution for the consideration of government and Labour in about two weeks.

“So, the summary of it is that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the delegation of the Federal Government have set up a committee of five each.

“We are going to meet here continuously for the next two weeks, and at the end of the second week, we will now come up with a recommendation that we will give to the government and the organised Labour for final consideration.

“Both the organised Labour, the NLC particularly, and the government people have sat down here and have agreed on this position.

“So, there won’t be any protest tomorrow (today) by the Nigeria Labour Congress, and there will be some form of report that will come up in about two weeks from now to consider the study and other considerations by both parties.”