FG reduces telecom tariff hike after pressure from NLC

DDM News

The Nigerian government has reduced the proposed increase in telecom tariffs from 50% to 35% following intense pressure from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that this decision was made after a high-level meeting between government representatives and labour leaders at the National Security Adviser’s office on February 21, 2025.

The meeting lasted for about three hours and involved heated discussions over the impact of the tariff increase on Nigerians.

NLC officials strongly opposed the tariff hike, arguing that it would worsen the economic burden on citizens already struggling with inflation.

After persistent demands from labour leaders, the government and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) agreed to lower the proposed hike by 15%.

An official announcement confirming the new tariff structure is expected to be released soon.

The NLC had earlier criticized the tariff hike, stating that it violated a previous agreement between the government and telecom regulators.

The union warned that if the new rates were not reversed by the end of February, a nationwide shutdown of telecom services would begin on March 1, 2025.

To protest against the increase, the NLC directed workers and the public to boycott MTN, Airtel, and Glo services daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

Labour leaders also urged Nigerians to stop purchasing data from these telecom companies, accusing them of exploiting consumers for profit.

In a statement released after a meeting in Lokoja, Kogi State, NLC officials condemned the telecom companies for implementing the increase without waiting for the outcome of a committee’s review.

They described it as a breach of trust and an attack on Nigerians facing economic hardship.

The statement further criticized the lack of transparency in the process leading to the tariff hike.

Labour leaders demanded that any future tariff adjustments should be subject to public consultations and regulatory scrutiny.

Consumer advocacy groups have also joined the call against the tariff increase, urging the government to prioritize affordability and accessibility of telecom services.

Many Nigerians expressed frustration over the planned tariff hike, stating that it would negatively affect businesses, education, and communication.

Small business owners, who rely heavily on affordable internet and call services, voiced concerns over potential revenue losses due to higher telecom costs.

Students and professionals who depend on mobile data for online learning and remote work also condemned the increase.

Several civil society organizations have called on the NCC to provide a clear justification for the proposed tariff adjustment.

A spokesperson for the NCC defended the increase, stating that rising operational costs and the fluctuating exchange rate necessitated the adjustment.

However, the commission acknowledged the concerns raised by labour unions and promised to work on a balanced solution.

Telecom operators, on their part, argued that the new tariffs were needed to sustain service quality and network expansion.

They cited increased expenses in infrastructure development, maintenance, and regulatory compliance as key factors behind the price hike.

Despite these explanations, many Nigerians remain skeptical, accusing telecom companies of prioritizing profits over consumer welfare.

Economic analysts noted that the telecom sector plays a crucial role in national development and must remain accessible to all citizens.

They advised the government to explore policy measures that would cushion the impact of any future tariff increases.

Some experts suggested providing subsidies or tax incentives to telecom operators to reduce the pressure on consumers.

Others recommended stricter regulatory oversight to prevent arbitrary price hikes that could hurt the economy.

As the debate continues, stakeholders expect the government to strike a balance between industry sustainability and consumer protection.

For now, the reduced tariff hike offers some relief to Nigerians, but discussions on fair pricing in the telecom sector are far from over.

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