Joy Agwunobi
The federal government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) have established a 10-member joint committee to address concerns surrounding the proposed 50 per cent increase in telecom tariffs.
This decision was reached following an extensive meeting between government representatives and the NLC, which led to the suspension of a planned nationwide protest initially scheduled for Tuesday, February 4.
The meeting, held at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja, provided a platform for both parties to deliberate on the contentious tariff adjustment.
Two weeks ago, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 per cent increase in telecom service charges, responding to requests from industry operators who cited rising operational costs to keep up with the economic realities. However, the decision sparked widespread dissatisfaction among consumers and advocacy groups, who viewed the increase as unjustifiable.
In response, the NCC defended the hike, attributing it to inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations, and soaring energy costs. The commission further stated that the adjustment was in line with its mandate under the Nigerian Communications Act, 2003, to ensure the financial stability of the telecom sector.
Despite this justification, the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) firmly rejected the tariff increase, condemning it as an additional financial strain on already struggling consumers. The union demanded an immediate reversal and threatened a nationwide protest if its concerns were not addressed.
Following negotiations, in a statement, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the NLC general secretary, announced the suspension of the planned demonstration, stating that the government had agreed to set up a committee to review the issue. “Following our resolution, the Federal Government invited us to a meeting, where it was agreed that a 10-member committee would be constituted to examine the concerns raised by Congress,” Ugboaja stated.
The discussions culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which formalised the agreement to establish a technical committee comprising five representatives from both the government and the labour union. According to the MoU, the committee is expected to review all issues related to the tariff hike and submit its recommendations within two weeks.
Speaking after the meeting, Joe Ajaero, the NLC President emphasised that the union’s inclusion in stakeholder consultations was essential. He noted that the government had conceded to a broader review of the entire telecom tariff framework.
Ajaero stated, “The NLC is the largest organisation in the whole of Africa and there’s no consultation of stakeholders that does not include us that will stand. It is on that premise, they agreed to have a larger committee to look at the entire tariff structure and model and come up with a realistic and all inclusive 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.’’
He added that the union’s next steps, including protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals, would depend on the outcome of the committee’s work.
“The symbolic action of submitting the letters 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 explained.
While the focus remains on the telecom tariff hike, Ajaero also raised concerns over other economic challenges, including high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation, which he said were making life difficult for Nigerian workers.
“We have also expressed our displeasure over the high cost of electricity and the unbearable tax burden on workers. These are unresolved issues that require urgent attention,” he added.
