Nigerian union talks with the government after calling off a scheduled protest over telecom tariffs

Nigeria’s Largest Labour Union Suspends Telecom Tariff Protest, Agrees to Negotiations

Nigeria’s largest labour union, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has suspended a planned nationwide protest against a 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs. The union and the government have agreed to resolve the dispute within two weeks through negotiations, both parties announced on Tuesday.

The NLC, which represents millions of workers, had scheduled a demonstration for February 4 after rejecting the tariff increase approved by the telecoms regulator last month. This marked the first such hike in over a decade. Telecom operators justified the increase, citing soaring operational costs due to inflation nearing 35% and the depreciation of the naira. The union, however, deemed the hike “insensitive” and threatened a telecom service boycott or strike if the government failed to engage in dialogue.

The tariff dispute highlights growing concerns over the rising cost of living in Nigeria, exacerbated by President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms. These include fuel subsidy removals, electricity price increases, and currency devaluation, all of which have intensified financial pressure on citizens.

After late-night discussions on Monday, the NLC and the government agreed to establish a 10-member committee with equal representation from both sides. The committee will review the tariff increase and propose recommendations by February 17.

“The outcome of this committee will determine our next steps, whether in terms of protest, boycott, or even withdrawal of services,” NLC President Joe Ajaero stated during a press briefing.

Both parties have agreed to a “stay action,” pausing any further escalation of the dispute until the committee presents its findings.