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Centre Lauds NLC, NCC Parley Over Telcom Tariffs

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***Says Both Institutions Mean Well for the Masses

 

The Centre for Good Governance (CGG) has commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for their recent meeting to discuss the 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs.

 

The meeting, which was led by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, has resulted in the suspension of the NLC’s proposed protest, initially scheduled for today, February 4, 2025.

 

The NLC had rejected the 50% tariff hike, citing its potential to exacerbate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians, who are already struggling with a minimum wage of only ₦70,000.

 

However, following the meeting, the NLC has agreed to wait for the outcome of a 10-man committee review before determining their next course of action.

 

This committee, comprising five members from the Federal Government and five from the NLC, will provide a platform for thorough examination and analysis of the tariff increase.

 

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dr Martins Tayo, the Centre said the decision to establish this committee demonstrates a willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and find a solution that benefits all stakeholders.

 

The Centre applauded the NLC and NCC leadership for their commitment to maintaining industrial harmony and protecting the interests of Nigerians.

 

Tayo noted that both institutions have proven to be pro-masses and people-centric by engaging in constructive dialogue.

 

He added: “We appreciate the NLC’s willingness to wait for the outcome of the committee’s review before determining their next course of action. This decision demonstrates the union’s commitment to finding a mutually beneficial solution and its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue.

 

“As an organisation that promotes good governance, we recognise the importance of collaboration and dialogue in addressing the challenges faced by our nation.

 

“We believe that both the NLC and NCC have demonstrated a genuine commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and are working towards a mutually beneficial solution.

 

“We urge all parties involved to continue engaging in constructive dialogue and to prioritize the interests of the Nigerian people. By working together, we can find solutions that promote economic growth, social justice, and good governance.

 

“The Centre for Good Governance will continue to monitor the situation and provide support to ensure that the interests of Nigerians are protected”.

Ribadu Writes Naja’atu Muhammad, Seeks Public Apology, Retraction Of Malicious Statement In Tiktok Video

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The National Security Adviser, NSA, Malam Nuhu Ribadu has written a politician and leader of Northern Star, Hajia Naja’atu Muhammad, over a malicious statement in a Tiktok video shared across all social media platforms

In the Tiktok video, Hajia Muhammad accused the NSA of serving in President Bola Tinubu’s government, whom he castigated when he was the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

In a letter, through his lawyer, Dr Ahmed Raji, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, the NSA said publicly or privately, he has never maintained such viewpoint.

He said the damage that had been done as a result of the Tiktok video was unquantifiable.

In the letter dated February 4,2025 and signed by Dr. Raji, reads, “Clearly, in the text of your recording [reproduced and translated above] you stated that when our client served as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes, [EFCC] he allegedly named President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, alongside Sen. George Akume and Sen. Orji Uzor Kalu [all former Governors, and in that order] as the governors in Nigeria who stole the most from public treasury.

“You also stated that today, our client who once held the above odious view about President Tinubu has turned around to be his staunchest defender; especially, with regard to what you stated to be the government’s agenda to silence voices of dissent to the government, citing the alleged arrest of a certain Prof. Usman Yusuf as an example.

“You also stated that our client’s alleged attitudinal change towards President Tinubu means that he has either become a liar or that he lied when he allegedly described President Tinubu, Sen. Akume, Sen. Kalu and other governors as thieves.

“Privately or publicly, our client has never expressed the above viewpoint about President Tinubu and/or Senators George Akume and Orji Uzor Kalu, which you attributed to him.

“In fact, our client has never held such a viewpoint about the President; hence, it came as a complete surprise to him when his attention was drawn to the aforesaid publication by you against him.

“In the foregoing premise, our client hereby challenges you to provide evidence of your allegations therein against him; which have cast him as double-faced, duplicitous and deceitful in the eyes of right-thinking members of the society.

“Although masked as a clarion call to the North to rise up to your perceived injustice against the North by the government of the day, your publication is also inciteful of violence towards our client. Given this far-reaching ramification of your publication, our client will not sit back and watch his hard-eamed reputation and goodwill destroyed by your malicious decision to not only lay false allegations against him, but also, to cause the same to be published for the world’s attention.

Read Also: Delta is APC’s Stronghold – Omo-Agege Rejects Okowa, Oborevwori’s Defection

“Your intention to bring our client to public ridicule, opprobrium, scorn and shame etc., is laid bare when it is considered that you deliberately caused same to be published on social media, where it has since gone viral.

“Surely, the damage occasioned to our client by your deliberate but ill-advised action is unquantifiable. However, our client will be assuaged if you retract the said publication and tender an unreserved public apology to him in at least 5 [five] national daily newspapers within 7 [seven] days of receipt of this letter. If not, we have our client’s further instructions to seek redress against you in a court of law where exemplary damages will be claimed against you. Kindly be advised.”

Delta is APC’s Stronghold – Omo-Agege Rejects Okowa, Oborevwori’s Defection

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Ovie Omo-Agege, the former deputy president of the Senate and the APC’s candidate for governor of Delta State in the 2023 election, has vehemently denied that former governor Ifeanyi Okowa and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori would join the APC, saying that they are not welcome in the party.
At an event held Monday in Ika South and Ika North East Local Government Areas with APC officials, elders, and interested parties, Omo-Agege said the party was in control of Delta State and was still growing.

Despite the PDP’s assertions that the APC had become irrelevant in Delta State, he pointed out that the party had won two Senate seats, two House of Representatives seats, and was expected to attract additional PDP defections.
The PDP disseminated misleading information with the assertion that the APC had vanished from Delta following the 2023 elections. But in this state, the APC took home two House of Representatives seats and two Senate seats.

Are you still claiming that we are not present when the sole PDP senator is scheduled to join the APC today? We’re the majority party, right? “What?” Omo-Agege asked.

He added that the APC had won two of the three House of Representatives seats and the Senate seat in the Delta Central Senatorial District, where he and Governor Oborevwori are from, while the Labour Party had only won one. The PDP received no votes.

“In Delta Central, the APC won five of the nine House of Assembly seats, while the PDP won four. What is the really more popular party, then? He said.

Even though Omo-Agege welcomed other PDP leaders, he rejected the idea of allowing former Governor Okowa and Governor Oborevwori to join the APC.

Except for Okowa and Oborevwori, we welcome everyone. They ought to stay with the PDP and work to restructure it.

“We will not let individuals with dubious backgrounds ruin the hard-earned success of this party, which we have constructed from the ground up.”

The former Deputy Senate President also gave APC members the assurance that any internal party issues will be settled prior to the general elections in 2027. He asserted that the opposition party would be rendered obsolete by the upcoming election cycle due to the national turmoil inside the PDP.

“We should capitalize on the PDP’s larger concerns rather than concentrating on our own internal troubles. In 2027, are we even certain that PDP will still be around? Their national situation continues to intensify.

“Our goal should be to re-elect President Bola Tinubu and win the upcoming elections.”

Noting that three PDP members of the House of Representatives and multiple members of the House of Assembly were already getting ready to defect, Omo-Agege disclosed that more PDP lawmakers were expected to join the APC.

Three senators will join us soon, and I know that three members of the PDP House of Representatives are joining the APC. We’ll also have several members of the House of Assembly.

Members of the House of Assembly were being suppressed by Governor Oborevwori’s administration, he claimed, and several of them were considering defecting.

Read Also: Oil and Gas Boost: Nigeria Sees $305 Billion Cash Inflow

Delta State House Assembly members are being punished by Governor Oborevwori’s administration. As a member, you are not even allowed to talk; engaging in conversation will result in immediate suspension.

They are all coming, and we are happy to have them. Okowa and the governor sheriff are the only two others who are not welcome. They ought to stay in the PDP and develop their party.

Barr. Felix Morka, the APC National Publicity Secretary, reassured party members that the APC National Chairman and other responsible parties were dedicated to settling internal conflicts within the Delta APC chapter prior to the next elections.

Hon. Fada Ibudeh, Chief Stevenson Ikpade, Chief Sunny Chuks Obuseh, Hon. Fred Ofume, Pst. Paul Ebede, Lady Philomena Agholor, Dr. Goddy Ibeh, Dr. Chamberlain Dunkwu, Mr. Godwin Ogadi, and Barr. Eugene Uzum were among the party leaders who spoke at the event. To strengthen the APC in the run-up to 2027, they stressed the importance of true reconciliation.

 

Oil and Gas Boost: Nigeria Sees $305 Billion Cash Inflow

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According to information released yesterday, the Federal Government realized $305 billion in cash inflows from the oil and gas industry between 2014 and 2024.

This was revealed by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (NEITI) during an appearance before the Senate Public Accounts Committee (SPAC) in Abuja by Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the organization’s national coordinator and executive secretary.

Nigeria earned $54.5 in 2014, $24.79 in 2015, $17.05 in 2016, $20.9 in 2017, $32.62 in 2018, $34.21 in 2019, $20.43 in 2020, $23.04 in 2021, $35.7 in 2022, and $30.86 in 2023, according to Orji’s presentation on the country’s Oil, Gas, and Solid Minerals reports for 2021–2023.

Orji also revealed that from 1999 to 2023, the oil and gas industry brought in $831.14 for the nation.

According to him, the nation produced 800.49 barrels of crude oil in 2013, 798.60 barrels in 2014, 659.30 barrels in 2016, 690.50 barrels in 2017, 701.10 barrels in 2018, 735.20 barrels in 2019, 646.70 barrels in 2020, 656.20 barrels in 2021, 490.95 barrels in 2022, and 537.00 barrels in 2023.

Orji informed the lawmakers that the country’s gas production between 2019 and 2023 was 13,817,622 standard cubic feet (scf). However, he also stated that, as the ninth-largest gas producer in the world and the top producer in Africa, Nigeria needs to invest $200 billion in gas infrastructure in order to maximize its natural resources.

Nonetheless, the SPAC, which was chaired by Senator Aliyu Ahmed Wadada, denounced as unacceptable the scenario in which the solid minerals sector contributed less than 1% of the country’s GDP annually.

According to Orji, $200 billion is needed to install the necessary infrastructure in order to boost the nation’s gas resource production.

According to NEITI’s conclusions, Nigeria must invest at least $20 billion annually in gas infrastructure over a ten-year period, he stated.

All that Qatar Energy does is process gas using the necessary infrastructure.

In order to evacuate gas, Nigeria must invest in gas infrastructure. According to our analysis, this will require an initial investment of $20 billion per year for ten years in order to build the kind of gas infrastructure needed to supply gas to all of Africa and beyond.

Naturally, this will necessitate the installation of gas pipelines throughout the West African subregion and beyond, which will cost a significant amount of money.

Orji responded that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has started looking into the $8.5 billion in unremitted revenue into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CR) that was allegedly unremitted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission in 2023.

Read Also: IGP Issues Warning on Police Involvement in Civil Disputes

He did, however, emphasize that the solid minerals industry is not generating the nation’s desired income because its yearly profits account for less than 1% of GDP.

The Chairman and committee members, who were apparently upset by the disclosure, said that NEITI’s report on solid minerals did not accurately represent the state of the solid mineral industry.

They questioned why Nasarawa, Zamfara, Kebbi, Plateau, Bauchi, and other states were not included in the study, only states like Ogun, Osun, Kogi, Edo, Ebonyi, Rivers, Cross Rivers, and FCT.

Senator Wadada called it absurd and intolerable because solid minerals only contribute less than 1% of the nation’s GDP annually.

“This absolutely cannot go on; the sector needs to be completely restructured,” he stated.

IGP Issues Warning on Police Involvement in Civil Disputes

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Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police (I-G), has issued a warning against the abuse of police power in civil issues, especially those involving land ownership.

This was said in a statement released in Abuja on Tuesday by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer.

According to Egbetokun, police officers are not empowered to handle civil cases unless there is a criminal component at play.

Even in these situations, he said, investigations must be supervised by the state’s Commissioners of Police, who will be responsible for the procedure and results.

Concerns regarding the unnecessary and unethical practice of transferring ongoing cases as well as the abuse of public office by some officers and individuals were also brought up by the I-G.

The actions, which impede investigations and erode public trust in the force, will no longer be accepted, according to Egbetokun.

According to him, the nation’s policing must continue to be guided by the values of accountability, professionalism, and transparency.

Accordingly, all staff members and supervising officials, especially those in investigative units, ought to treat cases with thoroughness and honesty.

“Any officer who is discovered to be misusing their office or transferring case files arbitrarily will be subject to severe disciplinary measures,” he stated.

According to him, it has been decided that the frequent practice of moving cases that are still being investigated between formations without permission is inappropriate.

According to Egbetokun, such measures waste resources, cause needless delays, and place an excessive strain on all parties.

Egbetokun pledged to solve the problem and denounced the submission of baseless or malicious petitions intended to annoy or intimidate.

He stated that going forward, a declaration attesting to the validity and legitimacy of the petitions must be included with every one sent to the police.

According to him, the petition needs to make it very evident that no other law enforcement agency had received the complaint.

If it had, it must have been withdrawn before the police were called, according to the police chief.

Read Also: Cyberbullying: Reno Omokri Lied, Court Never Vacated His Arrest Warrant – Christian Group

He declared that anyone who submitted pointless petitions would be subject to the proper penalties for providing the police with misleading information.

Instead of submitting concerns and petitions to the I-G’s office, Egbetokun advised the public to go straight to the relevant Police Commands, Divisions, or Units.

Except in situations that call for review, appeal, or special intervention, he said.

The public was warned by the I-G not to influence police intervention by portraying civil disputes as criminal cases.

Cyberbullying: Reno Omokri Lied, Court Never Vacated His Arrest Warrant – Christian Group

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James Paul Adama, the Convener of the Concerned Christian Youth Forum, has described as untrue the recent claim by Reno Omokri that the warrant of arrest issued against him by a court has been quashed.

Recall that the court, presided over by His Worship, Chief Emmanuel A. Iyanna, issued the remand warrant against Omokri through an ex-parte motion filed by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on January 13, 2025, for defaming Christianity and harassing religious leaders online.

However, Omokri, in a post on his Facebook page, claimed that the order had been vacated by the court.

The Concerned Christian Youth Forum, which launched the petition, said Reno’s claim is false and misleading.

Adama, in a statement on Monday, said that contrary to Omokri’s claim, Pastor Paul Enenche never at any point initiated or filed any legal case against him.

He vowed that the group’s primary goal is to put an end to the disparaging remarks and cyberbullying directed at Christianity and its leaders.

His statement reads:

“I am here today to correct a false assertion made by Reno Omokri and his legal team regarding the claim that his remand warrant was quashed. It is simply untrue and has been made with the intention of creating a deceptive narrative.

“It is important to set the record straight and to ensure that the public is not misled by this misinformation. The matter is ongoing.

“To clarify the matter and set the records straight, contrary to Reno’s misleading claims in his malicious report, Dr. Paul Enenche has never at any point initiated or filed any legal case against him.

“The case in question was brought forward by the concerned Christian youths, not Dr. Enenche, and we have already addressed this fact in our previous media conferences.

“Despite Reno’s continuous and unwarranted attacks on Dr. Paul Enenche, it is important to note that Dr. Enenche has consistently refused to lower himself to Reno’s level by dignifying him with a response — that is, if he even has enough time to read or listen to Reno’s blabbings.

“Reno, a known blackmailer who is notorious for speaking from both sides of his mouth, has no moral high ground to stand on in this matter.

“Dr. Enenche has always maintained his dignity and refused to engage in petty squabbles with morally bankrupt individuals who thrive on falsehood and deceit.

“Reno must take responsibility for his actions and face the concerned Christian youth, who are the rightful parties in this matter.

“It is high time he stopped dragging Dr. Paul Enenche into his ignoble web of lies, hypocrisy, and deceit.

“Dr. Enenche will continue to focus on his ministry and the positive impact he is making in the lives of countless people around the world, leaving Reno to deal with the consequences of his own egregious actions.

“I am perplexed as to why Reno Omokri and his lawyer would attempt to deceive the public by claiming that the magistrate dismissed his case.

“The truth of the matter is that Reno Omokri is still facing legal proceedings, and the claim that his remand warrant has been quashed or that he has been cleared of any wrongdoing is false.

“This misrepresentation of facts is typical of Omokri’s modus operandi, as he has long sought to subvert the truth in order to suit his own agenda.

“The fact remains that the absence of Reno Omokri’s name from the FIR is merely a procedural issue and does not absolve him of any wrongdoing. As the legal process moves forward, it will be up to the courts to determine the veracity of the allegations and deliver justice accordingly. I have obtained the CTC of the court ruling of that day, and it is contrary to the assertion being peddled by Reno Omokri and his co-traveler.

“The misguided ploy of Omokri and his cohort amounts to little more than a desperate attempt to divert attention from the stark reality. This is to remind Reno Omokri that no matter how far he runs, the long arm of the law will, inevitably, catch up with him.

“Reno Omokri’s suggestion that his legal troubles are centered solely around Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche is patently false. This assertion is nothing more than a cheap attempt to besmirch the reputation of a respected religious leader. Reno’s constant fixation with Dr. Enenche, coupled with his desperate attempts to gain the Pastor’s attention, resembles the futile efforts of a rabbit attempting to catch a lion. Such behavior is not only absurd but also incredibly self-defeating.

“There is no need to engage in a battle of wits with a man who possesses none. Reno Omokri’s history of duplicity and deception is well-known, rendering any attempt to engage with him futile. Even the most inexperienced of individuals, such as a young child, possess more integrity and character than he.

“The Concerned Christian Youth Forum, mindful of this truth, will pursue legal recourse through established channels, confident that the justice system will shine a light on Reno’s unscrupulous tactics.”

Peter Obi Defends Critics, Says Exposing Bad Governance Isn’t Wrong

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Peter Obi, a former Labour Party presidential candidate, has stated that the government had to be concerned about Nigeria’s unfavorable reputation among other countries.
Obi reportedly stated that Kemi Badenoch, the head of the UK Conservative Party, should act as a wake-up call for all residents and the government to improve the country’s governance.
The former presidential candidate criticized the attacks on Badenoch for speaking truth to power in a statement headlined “What should we make of all the negative remarks about Nigeria?” released on Tuesday.
Kemi Badenoch, a prominent figure in the UK’s Conservative Party and a native of Nigeria, recently made a harsh jab at our beloved nation.

She declared that she would not like for Britain to resemble impoverished Nigeria, where lives are destroyed by an ineffective administration.

Reactions to her remarks have been divided among Nigerians; some have attacked her, while others believe she just stated the obvious and shouldn’t be demonized.

A few years back, a reputable Nigerian daily bemoaned an article that used extremely negative language to depict Nigeria in an informational piece intended for Americans planning a trip there.

“Insecurity and inadequate infrastructure were the two main issues noted in the travel recommendation.

“Our performance in these two areas is appallingly poor, as anyone acquainted with the Nigerian landscape knows. Unfortunately, the US embassy was not afraid to bring this to light.

Regarding health, the report affirmed that although Nigeria has highly qualified medical personnel, the nation lacks high-quality healthcare facilities.

It was mentioned that important drugs, such as those for diabetes and high blood pressure, are frequently out of stock and that people should buy pharmaceuticals extremely carefully because of the dangers of fakes.

Read Also:FG Calls on World Bank to Bolster Economic Stability

“The situation is still pretty much the same, if not worse, five years after those comments. International criticism, like that of Badenoch, and unfavorable comments on government websites alerting the nation’s residents should act as a challenge for us to improve. Using blind patriotism to disparage people who criticize us is insufficient, he stated.

The former governor of Anambra State cautioned that the administration might not be able to draw in international investors if it doesn’t address issues with development.

Rather, we ought to utilize these critiques as a springboard to give priority to important areas of growth and enhance the quality of life for our citizens.

How can we hope to draw in investors when derogatory statements cautioning residents against certain hazards are posted on a nation’s official websites? We should be motivated to work toward a new Nigeria by these painful rebukes, especially those from inside,” he continued.

FG Calls on World Bank to Bolster Economic Stability

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The World Bank’s assistance and collaboration with the nation to expand its economy has been recognized by the Federal Government.
According to reports, Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, was dedicated to growth driven by the private sector and less dependence on outside loan finance.
Edun made this claim in a statement released by Mohammed Manga, the Ministry’s spokesperson, after meeting with Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, the Executive Director of the World Bank, on Monday.

The gathering was a component of a larger plan to use funding sources other than conventional multilateral loans.
Edun praised the World Bank’s contribution to Nigeria’s development but underlined the government’s emphasis on creating an atmosphere that is conducive to business and draws in long-term investments.

Ahmed, a former Finance Minister of Nigeria, commended the nation’s macroeconomic reforms, saying they have increased investor confidence and budgetary stability.

She emphasized how the World Bank’s recent financial changes have increased its lending capacity, opening up an extra $150 billion in financing over the ensuing ten years.

Nigeria’s involvement in Mission 300, the World Bank’s program to give 300 million Africans access to power, was a major topic of conversation.

Edun reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the initiative, emphasizing the importance of better electricity infrastructure for industrial development, economic progress, and the competitiveness of the private sector.

He underlined that President Bola Tinubu is still committed to securing long-term, private-sector-led growth, bolstering Nigeria’s economic base, and lowering reliance on foreign borrowing.

El-Rufai Hits Uba Sani: Kaduna People Will Judge When the Time Comes

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The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has come under fire from former governor Nasir El-Rufai for supporting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In an interview on TVC on Monday, Governor Sani reportedly attacked politicians who were planning to band together to remove Tinubu from office in the 2027 presidential election.
The majority of the politicians who have stated that they are joining a coalition are those who were in power less than two years ago, according to Governor Sani. When they were in government, what did they do? They weren’t competing for superiority; they were just vying for power.President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the first Nigerian president to have truly exercised democracy.

El-Rufai responded to the Governor’s remark on Tuesday by calling it sycophantically rambling and embarrassing in a post on X.

He charged that Sani was supporting Tinubu due to the state’s recent billion-dollar refund from the federal government.

Read Also: FG, NLC Reach Agreement on Proposed 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

El-Rufai wrote: “I used to wonder why this governor would ramble in such an embarrassing and sycophantic manner every day. But now that it has been confirmed that Tinubu has granted Kaduna more than N150 billion in Federal Government “reimbursements, interventions, and grants” over the past 18 months, everything makes sense.

“Defend Asiwaju for the conditional cash transfer at all costs. From you, Asiwaju has earned it. At the appropriate time and location, the people of Kaduna State will render their judgment. Enjoy your day.

FG, NLC Reach Agreement on Proposed 50% Telecom Tariff Hike

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An agreement has been reached between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Government (FG) about the proposed 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs.

At a conference called by the federal government and the NLC to discuss the projected increase in telecom tariffs, an agreement was reached on Monday that included this information.

The MoU was signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, Minister of Labor and Employment Muhammadu Dingyadi, and Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

Read Also: NUPRC Fights Oil Diversion, Bans Export of Domestic Supply

As you may remember, on February 4, the NLC summoned a one-day statewide mass protest in protest of the proposed rise.
In order to address the majority of the difficult issues brought up during the conversation, the parties agreed to meet in a technical group, according to the MoU.
As part of the resolution, a joint committee including five representatives from the FG and the NLC is established.

It is anticipated that the committee would complete and submit its findings in two weeks.

Nigerians were asked to maintain composure as the committee wrapped up its work.