In a swift response to growing public outcry, the Federal Government of Nigeria has constituted a high-powered investigative panel to review the proposed telecom tariff hike, a move that comes just hours after the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) unexpectedly announced the suspension of its nationwide protest.
The decision to set up the panel was confirmed via a statement shared on the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Nigerian Stories, indicating that the federal government is taking proactive steps to address the concerns surrounding the potential increase in call, data, and SMS rates.
While telecom operators have been pushing for a tariff adjustment due to rising operational costs, inflation, and the fluctuating exchange rate, critics argue that an increase would further burden millions of Nigerians already grappling with economic hardship.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which had been mobilizing for a mass protest against economic hardship, suddenly put the demonstration on hold, raising questions about whether a deal was struck behind closed doors. The labor union had earlier threatened to shut down critical sectors if the government failed to address the skyrocketing cost of living, including the planned telecom tariff hike.
Although the NLC has not disclosed the exact reasons for the suspension, sources suggest that the government’s intervention on the telecom issue and ongoing negotiations on minimum wage and fuel subsidies may have influenced the decision.
The twin developments—the FG’s intervention on telecom tariffs and the NLC’s abrupt U-turn on protests—have triggered mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some view the government’s move as a step in the right direction, others believe it is a mere delaying tactic to pacify organized labor and the general public.
“The government is only reacting now because of the NLC’s pressure. If we don’t hold them accountable, they will approve the tariff hike behind our backs,” a concerned citizen remarked online.
Meanwhile, industry experts warn that a hasty decision on telecom pricing could destabilize the sector, urging the government to find a balance between affordability and sustainability for both consumers and telecom providers.
With the panel now in place, Nigerians are eager to see whether the government will stand firm against the proposed telecom tariff hike or succumb to pressure from service providers. At the same time, all eyes remain on the NLC, as many wonder if the suspended protest will be revived if negotiations fail.
As the nation awaits further developments, the big question remains: Is the government truly working in the people’s interest, or is this just another political maneuver?
PIONEER NEWS 