*The Nigeria Labour Congress suspends its proposed nationwide protest over the recently approved 50 percent increase in telecoms tariffs, as the Federal Government has agreed to constitute a larger committee for holistic review the tariff structure in the entire digital ecosystem

Gbenga Kayode | 绿帽献妻

Following the intervention of the Federal Government and other stakeholders, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its proposed nationwide protest over the approved 50 percent increase in telecommunications tariffs in the country.

绿帽献妻 reports the leadership of the NLC took the decision evening Monday, February 3, 2025, in Abuja, FCT, after a meeting with the Federal Government’s delegation, led by Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

NCSCN announcing suspension of the planned protest聽

The Labour had planned to activate the nationwide protest against the telecoms tariff increases Tuesday, February 4.

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) January this year had considered the Mobile Network Operators’ (MNOs) proposal for telecoms tariff increments, and approved 50 percent hike in telecom tariffs in the ecosystem.

Speaking with reporters Monday night, in Abuja, Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of NLC, said the suspension of the planned protest was to pave way for negotiations with the Federal Government.

Ajaero affirmed the Nigerian Government had agreed to set up a larger committee to review the entire tariff structure in the telecoms space.

Committee’s report to determine Labour’s next line of action: Ajaero

The Labour leader also explained the committee would be composed of five representatives from both sides, and it is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.

鈥淲e emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand.

鈥淥n that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to look at the entire tariff structure as a model to come out with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement,” noted Ajaero.

He stated: “So the committee will be made up of five representatives, from both sides, and expected to come out with a result after two weeks.

鈥淭hat will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement.”

Comrade Ajaero further said: “The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee.

鈥淭he outcome of such a committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, and in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we put online.鈥�

NCSCN makes U-turn, halts proposed rally against telecoms tariff hikes

Prior to NLC’s suspension of the nationwide rally against telecoms hikes, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) had announced suspension of its planned protest against the recent 50 percent increase in telecoms tariffs, following a high-level engagement with the Nigerian Communications Commission.

The NCSCN announced the development at a World Press Conference held Monday, in Abuja.

Industry observers said the Council’s action had marked a considerable shift in its earlier stance on the burning issue of telecoms tariff increments.

The body noted that it arrived at the conclusion after extensive deliberations and “a forensic review” of the economic realities affecting telecoms service providers in the West African country.

The NCSCN recently, convened an emergency meeting after the NCC approved a 50 per cent tariff hike for the MNOs.

In conjunction with its 620 affiliate organisations, the Council initially, condemned the decision and planned a mass protest to occupy the NCC Corporate Headquarters, and the National Assembly (NASS) Complex, in Abuja, until the the Federal Government reversed the 50 percent tariff adjustment.

Why the Council suspends planned occupation of NCC, NASS

It was learnt that after a formal notification to the telecoms sector regulatory Commission of its intentions to activate a mass rally against the telecoms hikes, the NCSCN later agreed to engage with the telecoms regulators due to what was described as “an unprecedented display of responsiveness by the NCC.

Pronto, the Commission also reached out to the County within 24 hours to initiate discussions, according to report.

The NCSCN subsequently, constituted an 11-man delegation for a four-hour meeting with NCC officials in Abuja.

Blessing Akinlosotu, Executive Director at NCSCN, affirmed that the Council鈥檚 delegation initially, approached the meeting prepared for a showdown, expecting to challenge the NCC on the tariff decision.

However, after detailed presentations, economic assessments, and operational data provided during the meeting led to a re-evaluation of the current situation in the telecoms environment in Nigeria.

Akinlosotu related: 鈥淎fter the tensed and robust engagement with the Management of NCC, we further set up a 5-man Technical Committee to carefully study documents presented to us, and asked the Committee to do a clinical and forensic examination of available records of operational costs and annual profits margins of some major Telecom Service Providers in Nigeria, with critical assessments of Financial Statements.

鈥淥ur findings were very interesting, and called for a serious review of the position and planned line of action.鈥�

The Committee鈥檚 findings revealed that telecoms operators had not increased tariffs since 2013 despite inflation and harsh economic conditions.

The NCSCN also noted that the costs of electricity and diesel have risen sharply, significantly impacting network operations.

Security challenges, particularly the vandalism of telecom infrastructure, have placed additional financial strain on service providers.

The devaluation of the naira and fluctuations in foreign exchange rates have also contributed to rising costs, making it more expensive to import telecoms equipment.

More so, the NCC has mandated service quality improvements, requiring the MNOs to upgrade infrastructure to enhance network efficiency and ensure better service delivery to consumers.

It was gathered the Council also discovered even with the 50 percent cost adjustment, Nigeria鈥檚 telecoms tariffs remain among the lowest globally, with the increase amounting to less than 10 kobo per second, report said.

Following a review of these findings, the NCSCN reportedly acknowledged the economic pressures affecting both consumers and service providers.

Akinlosotu stated that while Nigerians are battling severe economic hardship, telecoms companies are equally struggling to maintain operations due to increasing costs in the country.

The NCSCN, therefore, urged the NCC to ensure that telecoms operators comply fully with the conditions tied to the tariff hike, particularly those requiring improved Quality of Service (QoS) for enhanced Quality of Experience (QoE) for telecoms consumers.

The Council as well advised the Commission to strengthen its monitoring mechanisms in order to prevent the Telcos from unfairly imposing the “maximum 50 percent increase” on consumers.

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