FG Meets NLC Leaders in Last-Minute Bid to Avert Telecom Tariff Protest

The Federal Government has called an emergency meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) today in an effort to prevent a nationwide protest scheduled for tomorrow over the recent 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs.

Government sources confirmed that the meeting, to be hosted by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), will begin at 5 PM and will focus on addressing labour’s concerns over the tariff increase. The discussions will also cover the NLC’s strong opposition to the government’s proposed N8 billion budget for electricity bill sensitization, which the labour movement has condemned as wasteful and unnecessary.

A source within the SGF’s office described the meeting as “a dialogue on matters of national interest affecting Nigerian workers.” The source further explained that it will be an inter-ministerial session led by the SGF, aimed at resolving the issues raised by the NLC regarding the tariff adjustment, which has faced strong resistance from labour and civil society groups.

Despite the government’s efforts to engage labour in dialogue, the NLC has intensified mobilization efforts for the planned protest. In a letter dated January 30, NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja directed all affiliate unions and state councils to ensure full participation in the demonstration, scheduled to begin at 7 AM tomorrow in state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory.

According to the letter, the protest will involve a peaceful rally leading to the offices of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in various states or, where unavailable, to the state Houses of Assembly, where petitions will be submitted. The NLC insists that the 50% telecom tariff hike is unacceptable, particularly given the current economic hardship facing Nigerians.

Labour leaders have stated they will attend today’s meeting with the government to hear its position but have reaffirmed their stance against the tariff hike. The NLC maintains that policies detrimental to Nigerian workers and the general public will not be tolerated, emphasizing the need for mass action to push back against economic burdens imposed by the government.

With the government under pressure to find a resolution, the outcome of today’s meeting will determine whether tomorrow’s planned demonstration proceeds as scheduled.