In response to nationwide protests led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Federal Government has agreed to reduce the recently approved telecommunications tariff hike from 50% to 35%. This decision comes after extensive negotiations and public outcry over the initial increase. In late January 2025, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, marking the first such hike in over a decade. The adjustment was in response to pressures from operators facing rising operational costs due to high inflation and currency devaluation. However, the NLC swiftly condemned the move, labeling it “insensitive and unjustifiable,” especially amidst a severe cost-of-living crisis.
Nationwide Protests and Boycott
On February 4, 2025, the NLC organized nationwide protests to demand the immediate suspension of the tariff hike. Subsequently, beginning February 13, the union directed Nigerian workers and citizens to boycott services from major telecom operators—MTN, Airtel, and Glo—daily between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. This action was intended to pressure both the government and service providers to reconsider the tariff increase. Following the sustained protests and boycotts, a 10-member committee comprising government officials and NLC representatives convened on February 21 at the office of the National Security Adviser. After extensive deliberations, the government agreed to reduce the tariff hike by 15%, bringing it down to 35%. An official communiqué announcing this adjustment is expected imminently. Joe Ajaero, NLC President said, “The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population.” The NLC has urged all telecommunications companies to implement the revised tariff immediately and has called for continued dialogue to address any future concerns. The union also emphasized the importance of considering the economic realities faced by Nigerians in any policy decisions affecting essential services.
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