The House of Representatives Committee on Communications is engaging with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to prevent the nationwide protest scheduled for February 4, 2025, over the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently approved the tariff increase for telecom operators, citing rising operational costs. In response, the NLC vowed to stage a nationwide protest, urging the Federal Government and National Assembly to reverse the hike.
The union argued that the increase would place an additional burden on a struggling population, already grappling with high fuel prices, soaring food costs, electricity tariff hikes, and other economic hardships, despite a minimum wage of only N70,000.
Speaking to Sunday PUNCH, the Chairman of the House Committee on Communications, Peter Akpatason, revealed that his panel was in talks with labour leaders to dissuade them from proceeding with the protest.
“Our committee is actively engaging the NLC and telecom operators to prevent actions that could further worsen the hardship faced by Nigerians,” said Akpatason, who represents Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency in Edo State.
He noted that earlier discussions with industry operators highlighted challenges such as inadequate funding for infrastructure upgrades, which have contributed to poor network quality and coverage. “It’s important to consider these issues objectively before resorting to protests,” he added.
Similarly, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, confirmed that the commission was making efforts to engage with the NLC on the matter.
“We are in discussions with them,” he told Sunday PUNCH in a brief telephone conversation.
