In a bid to prevent a nationwide protest scheduled for tomorrow, February 4, the Federal Government of Nigeria has summoned leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its civil society allies for a crucial meeting today. The protest is in response to the government’s approval of a 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs, which the NLC has vehemently opposed.
Sources from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) confirmed that the meeting, set for 5 p.m., aims to facilitate dialogue on issues affecting Nigerian workers. It is expected to be an inter-ministerial session involving key government officials, with a focus on addressing the labour movement’s concerns over the tariff hike.
Beyond the telecom tariff issue, the discussion will also cover NLC’s opposition to the N8 billion budgetary allocation for electricity bill sensitization, which the union has criticized as wasteful and corrupt.
Despite the planned meeting, NLC has intensified mobilization efforts for tomorrow’s mass protest, instructing its affiliate unions and state councils to rally workers and civil society groups across the country. According to a letter dated January 30 and signed by NLC General Secretary Emma Ugboaja, the protest will take place in state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, with demonstrators expected to march to the offices of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) or state assemblies to submit their petitions.
Labour leaders have maintained a firm stance against the tariff hike, insisting that Nigerian workers and citizens cannot afford additional financial burdens, especially during a period of economic hardship.
As tensions rise, all eyes will be on today’s meeting to see if the government can reach a compromise with the NLC and prevent the planned mass action.
