In a bid to prevent a nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its civil society allies against the recent 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs, the Nigerian Government has summoned NLC leaders to a crucial meeting scheduled for Monday, February 3.
The meeting will focus on discussions regarding the NLC’s strong opposition to the telecommunications tariff increase, as well as the N8 billion allocated in the 2025 federal government budget for electricity bill sensitization. The NLC has condemned this allocation, labeling it as wasteful, extravagant, and corrupt.
The meeting, which will begin at 5 pm, is expected to be a dialogue on national issues affecting Nigerian workers. It will be an inter-ministerial session, led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), aimed at addressing concerns raised by the NLC regarding the tariff hikes. The NLC has already mobilized workers for a mass protest scheduled for February 4 to express their opposition to the telecommunications tariff hike.
The NLC’s leadership will attend the meeting to hear the government’s position but has made it clear that it will not accept the 50% tariff increase. The NLC had previously instructed its affiliate unions and state councils to begin preparations for a nationwide protest, which will involve peaceful rallies in state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at 7 am on February 4.
In a letter to its state councils, the NLC directed all members to participate in the rally, which will proceed to National Communications Commission (NCC) offices or, where unavailable, to state Houses of Assembly to submit their petition. The protest is intended to challenge policies that, according to the NLC, are detrimental to the welfare of Nigerian workers and the general public.
The NLC has also urged Nigerians from all walks of life to join in the protest, warning that the government’s policies are worsening the economic hardships faced by the masses while benefiting corporate interests.
