The Federal Government has called for an urgent meeting with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) today to prevent the planned nationwide protest scheduled for tomorrow, February 4, 2025.
The protest is in response to the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs and the N8 billion allocation for electricity bill sensitization, which the NLC has condemned as wasteful and corrupt.
According to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the meeting is set for 5 p.m. today February 3rd, 2025, and will serve as a platform for dialogue on critical national issues affecting Nigerian workers. The government hopes to address NLC’s concerns and possibly reach a resolution to avert the mass demonstration.
The meeting, described as an inter-ministerial discussion, will be chaired by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and will focus on the federal government’s decision to approve an increase in telecommunications tariffs. The NLC, alongside its civil society allies, has strongly opposed the hike, mobilizing workers nationwide for a mass protest against the policy.
Reports claim that the NLC confirmed that its leadership would attend the meeting but remained firm in its stance, declaring that the 50% tariff increase was unacceptable. “We will listen to the government, but there is no way we will accept this hike,” NLC stated.
The NLC has been actively mobilizing workers and civil society organizations for tomorrow’s protest. In a letter dated January 30, addressed to its affiliate unions and state councils, NLC General Secretary, Emma Ugboaja, urged full participation to send a strong message to the government.
The directive instructed state councils to organize peaceful protest rallies across all state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) starting at 7 a.m. The rallies will culminate in processions to the nearest office of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Where an NCC office is unavailable, demonstrators are to proceed to state Houses of Assembly to submit petitions opposing the tariff increase.
The letter emphasized the urgent need for action amid rising economic hardships. “At this time of massive hardship, your unwavering support and determination are critical to defending ourselves and our nation from policies that weaken us for the benefit of corporate fat cats,” it read.
Similarly, a separate letter to affiliate unions called on industrial unions under the NLC to ensure nationwide mobilization. It reinforced the directive that the protest would be a one-day peaceful demonstration across the country, aimed at pushing back against the telecommunications tariff hike and other policies perceived as detrimental to Nigerian workers and the general populace.
The NLC has consistently argued that the government’s approval of the tariff increase places an additional financial burden on Nigerians who are already struggling with economic challenges. The union insists that instead of imposing new costs, the government should focus on policies that alleviate poverty and improve worker’s welfare.
While the government is seeking dialogue, it remains uncertain whether it will rescind the tariff hike. The administration argues that the increase is necessary due to economic realities, including inflation and the rising cost of maintaining telecom infrastructure. However, labour unions maintain that such increases should not come at the expense of struggling citizens.
The outcome of today’s meeting will be crucial in determining whether tomorrow’s protest will proceed as planned or if an agreement can be reached.
