The Federal Government has called a critical meeting today with the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its civil society partners in an attempt to avert the statewide demonstration against the 50% increase in telephone charges that is set for tomorrow, February 4.
We learned that the NLC has opposed the ₦8 billion annual allocation for electricity bill sensitization, which the labor movement has called “the height of profligacy, wastefulness, and corruption.” This will also be discussed.
A source in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), which is in charge of organizing the meeting, told Vanguard that it will start at 5 p.m.
A “dialogue on matters of national interest as it affects the Nigerian workers” is how the source characterized the interaction.
The government’s plan to modify telecommunications tariffs, which has been fiercely opposed by the NLC and its allies, is the subject of the anticipated interministerial conference, which will be led by the SGF.
The ₦8 billion projected budgetary allocation in 2025 for the federal government’s power bill awareness campaign will also be discussed at the meeting. The source also stated that the meeting had to be scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday following the FEC meeting because the administration had already scheduled other meetings for that day.
Despite agreeing to go to the conference and hear the government’s side, NLC officials have not wavered in their opposition, declaring that “there is no way we will accept the 50% telecommunications tariffs hike.”
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As it continues to rally the public and employees for tomorrow’s large-scale demonstration, the NLC has reaffirmed its adamant opposition to the 50% telecom tariff rise.
All affiliate unions and state councils were directed by NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja to guarantee complete mobilization for the protest in a letter dated January 30.
The protest, he underlined, is intended to make the government aware of the financial strain on Nigerian workers and residents.
According to the letter, state councils were instructed to plan a nonviolent rally in state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that would start at 7:00 a.m.
Marchers are anticipated to deliver petitions against the rate increase to State Houses of Assembly or National Communications Commission (NCC) offices.
Regardless of the outcome of the meeting, Labour leaders have sworn that they will not accept the 50% hike in telecom tariffs.
The NLC said, “Your steadfast support and action are essential to protecting ourselves and our country from policies that emasculate us for the benefit of corporate fat cats at this time of immense hardship.”
