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The Nigerian government is meeting with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to prevent a nationwide protest over the 50% telecom tariff hike. NLC opposes the increase, which was approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in January 2025. Tensions rise as protests and legal challenges loom.

The Nigerian government is scheduled to meet with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Monday to prevent a nationwide protest planned for Tuesday, February 4, over the 50% telecommunications tariff hike. The NLC has strongly opposed the increase, calling for a mass mobilization of workers across the country.

The meeting, set to occur at 5 p.m. on Monday, will involve an inter-ministerial dialogue aimed at addressing the concerns raised by the NLC regarding the tariff hike, which was approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on January 20, 2025. The approval of the hike has led to widespread dissatisfaction among telecom subscribers, many of whom view the increase as unaffordable.

The NLC, led by General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, has urged workers to join the protest and voice their discontent with the hike. Subscribers, represented by the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers (NATS), have also expressed plans to challenge the increase in court. NATS leader Adeolu Ogunbanjo has stated that any tariff hike should be limited to no more than 10%, given the economic hardships Nigerians are already facing.

In defense of the hike, Communications Minister Bosun Tijani cited global inflation as the primary reason for the telecom tariff adjustment. As the government tries to avert the protest, it remains to be seen whether dialogue with the NLC will lead to a resolution or if the demonstration will proceed as planned.