
Nigeria’s largest labour union has suspended a planned nationwide protest against a 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs, opting instead for negotiations with the government over the next two weeks, both parties confirmed on Tuesday.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which represents millions of workers, had scheduled the Feb. 4 demonstration in response to the tariff increase approved last month—the first in over a decade.
Telecom operators have justified the hike by citing soaring operational costs driven by inflation nearing 35% and a weakening naira. The NLC, however, called the increase “insensitive” and had threatened service boycotts or strikes unless the government engaged in dialogue.
The dispute highlights growing discontent over the rising cost of living in Africa’s most populous nation, where President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies—including fuel subsidy removals, electricity tariff hikes, and currency devaluations—have intensified financial hardship.
Following late-night negotiations on Monday, the NLC and government agreed to establish a 10-member committee with equal representation to review the tariff increase and propose solutions by Feb. 17.
“The outcome of this committee will determine our next line of action—whether protest, boycott, or even withdrawal of services,” NLC President Joe Ajaero told reporters.
Both sides have committed to halting further action pending the committee’s findings.