The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has successfully pressured the Federal Government to reduce the recent increase in telecommunications tariffs from 50% to 35%.
This decision came after an extensive meeting between a 10-member committee, comprising government officials and NLC representatives, at the National Security Adviser’s (NSA) office on Friday, February 21, 2025.
Sources within the government revealed that the meeting, which lasted from 4 PM to 7 PM, involved intense negotiations.
While the NLC demanded a complete reversal, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the government settled for a 15% reduction.
An official statement confirming the tariff adjustment is expected to be released on Saturday, February 22, 2025.
The development is considered a fair compromise, providing some relief to Nigerians who have been grappling with rising costs.
The NLC had previously condemned the tariff hike imposed on February 12, 2025, arguing that it violated an agreement with the Federal Government and the NCC.
To express their dissatisfaction, the labour union launched a daily boycott of telecom services between 11 AM and 2 PM, beginning on February 13, 2025.
The protest targeted major network providers such as MTN, AIRTEL, and GLO.
Moreover, the NLC had issued a stern warning, stating, “If telecom companies do not revert to the old tariff by the end of February 2025, a nationwide shutdown of their operations will begin on March 1, 2025.”
With the new adjustment, subscribers will still experience a price increase but at a more manageable rate.
Although the NLC had pushed for a full reversal, the compromise is seen as a step in the right direction.
