FG Seeks Resolution with NLC Over 50% Telecom Tariff Protest

To avert the statewide demonstration against the 50% increase in telecom rates that is set for tomorrow, February 4, the Federal Government has called a critical meeting today with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership and its civil society supporters.
According to what was learned, the NLC’s opposition to the ₦8 billion annual allocation for electricity bill sensitization—which the labor organization has referred to as “the height of profligacy, wastefulness, and corruption”—will also be discussed.
The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which is organizing the meeting, confirmed to Vanguard that it will start at 5 p.m.
As per the source, the interaction is a “discussion on issues of national interest as they impact the Nigerian workers.”

With the SGF spearheading talks on the government’s intention to modify telecom rates—a move that has been fiercely opposed by the NLC and its allies—the meeting is anticipated to be interministerial.

During the meeting, the federal government’s planned budgeted allocation of ₦8 billion for power bill sensitization in 2025 would also be discussed. Additionally, the source stated that the meeting had to be scheduled at 5 p.m. on Monday following the FEC meeting due to other government-scheduled meetings.

Although NLC officials have consented to attend the conference and hear the government’s viewpoint, they have not wavered in their opposition, declaring that “the 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs is unacceptable.”

In the meantime, the NLC has stated its unwavering opposition to the 50% hike in telecom charges and has continued to rally the public and employees for tomorrow’s large-scale demonstration.

Emma Ugboaja, the general secretary of the NLC, directed all state councils and affiliate unions to guarantee complete mobilization for the protest in a letter dated January 30.

The protest is intended to make the government aware of the financial strain on Nigerian workers and residents, he underlined.

State councils were instructed in the letter to plan a nonviolent rally in state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that would start at 7:00 a.m.

To voice their opposition to the tariff increase, demonstrators are anticipated to march to State Houses of Assembly or National Communications Commission (NCC) offices.

Regardless of how the conference turns out, Labour leaders have sworn they will not accept the 50% hike in telecom tariffs.

“Your steadfast assistance and action are essential to protecting our country and ourselves from policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats during this time of extreme adversity,” the NLC said.