Kehinde Fajobi
The House of Representatives Committee on Communications is in talks with the Nigeria Labour Congress to halt the nationwide protest set for February 4 over the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs.
The Nigerian Communications Commission approved the increase, citing rising operational costs.
But the NLC has rejected the move, demanding an immediate reversal, arguing that it would further burden Nigerians already grappling with soaring fuel prices, high food costs, and electricity tariff hikes.
Committee chairman Peter Akpatason revealed that lawmakers were engaging labour leaders and telecom operators to find a solution.
“The committee that I chair is already reaching out to the leadership of labour and the industry operators, to avert any action that would rather bring more hardship to the people,” he said.
He added that telecom providers had raised concerns about poor funding for infrastructure upgrades, which had worsened service quality and network coverage.
“I will advise that we look at the issues objectively before embarking on any protests,” he said.
Meanwhile, NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, Reuben Mouka, confirmed efforts to engage the NLC over the tariff adjustment.
“We are trying to engage them,” he told Punch in a brief telephone interview.