In a significant victory for Nigerian consumers, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has successfully pressured the Federal Government to reduce the proposed telecommunications tariff hike from 50% to 35%.
The reduction follows a meeting between government representatives and the NLC at the office of the National Security Adviser on Friday, February 21, 2025. The meeting, which lasted from 4 pm to 7 pm, saw NLC representatives insist that the tariff hike be withdrawn.
After intense pressure from the NLC, the government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) agreed to a 15% reduction in the tariff hike. An official communique announcing the tariff reduction is expected to be released shortly.
The NLC had previously expressed outrage over the proposed tariff hike, calling it a “betrayal of trust” and a “direct slap on the government and its institutions.” The organization had threatened to mobilize workers and citizens to boycott the services of telecommunications companies and observe electronic silence during designated hours.
The reduction in the tariff hike is a significant win for Nigerian consumers, who would have borne the brunt of the increased costs. The NLC’s efforts demonstrate the organization’s commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and citizens.
