_House of Reps Wades into NLC Planned Protest Over 50% Telecom Tariff Hike_
The House of Representatives Committee on Communications has intervened in the planned nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the 50% hike in telecom tariff. The protest, scheduled for February 4, 2025, is in response to the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) recent approval of a 50% tariff increase for telecommunication companies, citing prevailing operational costs.
The NLC has vowed to embark on the protest, calling on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to revert to the old tariff in the interim. The union argues that the increase would impose an unfair burden on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000, who have already suffered from hikes in petrol prices, food costs, and electricity tariffs.
According to the Chairman, House Committee on Communications, Peter Akpatason, the panel is reaching out to the NLC to shelve the planned protest. Akpatason, who represents Akoko-Edo Federal Constituency, Edo State, noted that the protest would only bring more hardship to Nigerians.
The committee had earlier met with industry operators, who explained the challenges facing the sector, including inadequate funding for infrastructure upgrades. Akpatason advised that the issues be examined objectively before embarking on any protests.
The Director of Public Affairs of NCC, Reuben Mouka, also confirmed that the commission is making efforts to engage the NLC over the new telecom tariff. “We are trying to engage them,” he said in a brief telephone conversation.
The NCC’s approval of the 50% tariff hike has sparked widespread criticism, with many arguing that it would exacerbate the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. The commission, however, maintains that the increase is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the telecom industry.
The telecom industry is a critical sector of the Nigerian economy, contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. However, the industry faces numerous challenges, including inadequate funding for infrastructure upgrades and forex shortages.
The House of Representatives Committee on Communications is working to find a solution that balances the interests of telecom operators with those of consumers. The committee’s intervention is aimed at preventing the planned protest and finding a more amicable solution to the dispute.
As the situation unfolds, Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the government and regulatory agencies respond to the concerns of the NLC and other stakeholders. The outcome will have significant implications for the telecom industry and the broader economy…… Suitable headlines
