The Nigerian government has called for an urgent meeting with labour leaders today in an attempt to avert a nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its civil society allies. The protest is in response to the recent 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs, which the NLC has strongly opposed.
In addition to the tariff hike, the NLC is also protesting the government’s proposed N8 billion allocation for electricity bill sensitization, which they consider wasteful and corrupt. The meeting, hosted by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is scheduled for 5 pm today and will address these concerns in an effort to resolve the issue before the planned protest tomorrow, February 4, 2025.
The NLC has been mobilizing its members and allies for a mass protest, which will take place across various state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The protest is set to begin at 7:00 am, and the rally will proceed to offices of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) or, where unavailable, to the state House of Assembly to present a petition.
The NLC’s decision to resist the telecommunications tariff hike reflects growing discontent with government policies that they believe harm Nigerian workers and the general public, especially in light of the ongoing economic hardship. Despite today’s meeting, sources from the NLC indicate that they are firm in their opposition to the tariff increase.