NLC Protests Loom Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike as House Committee Seeks Resolution
By DAYO ADESULU
- NCC Approves 50% Tariff Increase, Cites Rising Costs
- NLC Plans Nationwide Protest on February 4
- House Committee Engages Labour to Avert Crisis
- Industry Operators Highlight Challenges in the Telecom Sector
NCC Approves 50% Telecom Tariff Hike Amid Economic Struggles
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has approved a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, citing rising operational costs. This decision has sparked widespread discontent among Nigerians, already grappling with high inflation, fuel price hikes, and increased electricity tariffs.
NLC Mobilizes for Nationwide Protest on February 4
In response, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vowed to stage a nationwide protest on February 4, 2025. The union argues that the tariff increase is unfair to citizens, particularly those earning the national minimum wage of ₦70,000. According to the NLC, Nigerians have been subjected to multiple economic hardships, and further telecom cost hikes will only worsen the situation.
House Committee Steps In to Prevent Protests
Speaking exclusively to Sunday PUNCH, the Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Peter Akpatason, revealed that the committee is in talks with the NLC and telecom industry operators to prevent the planned protest.
“The committee that I chair is already reaching out to the leadership of labour and the industry operators to avert any action that would bring more hardship to the people,” Akpatason said.
Telecom Operators Highlight Industry Challenges
Telecom companies have defended the tariff increase, pointing to financial constraints affecting service quality and infrastructure development. They argue that without adequate funding, customers will continue to experience poor network coverage and declining service quality.
NCC Engages NLC for Possible Resolution
The NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, confirmed that discussions with the NLC are ongoing to address concerns and find a middle ground. “We are trying to engage them,” Mouka told Sunday PUNCH in a brief phone conversation.
What’s Next?
With the February 4 protest deadline fast approaching, all eyes are on the negotiations between the House Committee, the NCC, and the NLC. Will the government reconsider the tariff hike, or will labour unions proceed with their mass demonstration?
Stay tuned for updates.
