HomeHeadlinenews#FG Meets NLC Leaders to Avert Nationwide Protest Over Telecom Tariff Hike

#FG Meets NLC Leaders to Avert Nationwide Protest Over Telecom Tariff Hike

The Federal Government has invited the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to a meeting today in an effort to prevent a nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 4, 2025. The planned demonstration is in response to the 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs and the ₦8 billion budget allocation for electricity bill sensitization, which the NLC has strongly criticized as wasteful.

Government’s Effort to Prevent the Protest

According to a source from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the meeting will take place at 5 PM today. It will be an inter-ministerial dialogue led by the SGF and will focus on addressing the concerns raised by the NLC regarding the tariff hike.

The source described the meeting as a “dialogue on matters of national interest as they affect Nigerian workers.” It will aim to resolve the NLC’s opposition to the federal government’s approval of the 50% telecom tariff increase and the controversial ₦8 billion budget for electricity bill sensitization.

The timing of the meeting was adjusted to accommodate the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for earlier in the day.

Labour Leaders Remain Firm

Sources within the NLC confirmed that its leaders would attend the meeting but maintained their strong opposition to the tariff hike.

One union official stated:

“We will hear what the government has to say, but there is no way we will accept the 50% telecommunications tariff hike.”

Last Thursday, the NLC leadership issued a directive to its affiliate unions and state councils, urging them to mobilize for a full-scale protest against the proposed telecom tariff increase.

Planned Protest Details

In a letter dated January 30, 2025, addressed to state councils and affiliate unions, NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, emphasized the need for a one-day peaceful protest rally.

Key details of the planned demonstration:

  • Date: Tuesday, February 4, 2025
  • Time: 7:00 AM
  • Locations: Various state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
  • Procession Destinations: Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) offices or, where unavailable, the State Houses of Assembly

The NLC leadership stressed that the protest is a stand against policies that burden Nigerian workers while benefiting corporate interests.

“At this time of massive hardship, your unwavering support and determination are critical to defending ourselves and our nation from policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats,” the letter stated.

What’s Next?

While the FG-NLC meeting is expected to provide a platform for negotiation, the labour movement remains resolute in its rejection of the telecom tariff hike. The outcome of today’s discussions will determine whether the nationwide protest will proceed as planned.

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