Business
50% telecom tariff hike: NATCOMS backs decision as NLC bows to FG’s pressure

The Nigeria Labour Congress has bowed to pressure to halt its planned Tuesday nationwide protest against the 50 percent telecommunication tariff hike.
Also, the National Association of Telecoms Subscribers backed the decision by the organized Labour.
The NLC signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government after a meeting with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday night.
In the MoU signed by the SGF, Senator George Akume, NLC president Joe Ajaero, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, and the National Secretary of NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja, both parties agreed to set up a technical committee to resolve gray areas in the 50 percent telecom tariff approval.
However, NLC reiterated its rejection of the tariff hike.
“Arising from the meeting convened by the Federal Government of Nigeria on the proposed 50% hike in telecommunications tariffs in the country, which the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed strong opposition to, citing its potential negative impact on the Nigerian workers and the economy with a threat to proceed on a one-day nationwide mass protest, the following resolutions were reached:
That there is a need for the parties to sit together in a technical group to resolve most of the thorny areas raised during the discussion; consequently, a 10-man joint committee was set up of five (5) representatives each from the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); and the committee shall conclude and submit its deliberations within two (2) weeks from this 3rd day of February, 2025.
“The parties call on the Nigerian people to remain calm while this committee concludes its assignment,” the communique after the meeting stated.
Earlier, a civic society organisation known as the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, NCSCN, had announced the suspension of its planned protest against the 50 percent tariff hike.
Recall that last week, NLC announced Tuesday, 4th February, 2025, as a date for a one-day mass protest against the telecom tariff hike.
In a notice last Thursday by NLC National Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union had already asked the state congress and affiliate union to mobilise for Tuesday’s mass protest.
This comes after the Nigerian Communications Commission on January 2025 approved a 50 percent telecommunications tariff hike for operators.
The approval has sparked tariff hike controversy in Nigeria’s telecom sector.
NLC and other telecom subscribers had opposed the tariff implementation, citing the persistent economic hardship Nigerians already face.
Subscribers back nationwide protest suspension
On Monday, the National President of NATCOMS, Adeolu Ogunbanjo recommended suspension of the nationwide protest against the 50 percent tariff hike.
According to Ogunbanjo, the protest would hinder investors’ confidence and negatively impact investment in the sector.
NATCOMS had suggested that the government should review the 50 percent telecom tariff to 10 percent.
“NLC shouldn’t conduct mass protests that will affect investors’ confidence.“
The telecom sector has been a leading example in the country.“
NLC should not protest; that would send in wrong signals to investors. They should allow civility to reign in the telecom sector.
“That is why we are supporting only a 10 percent tariff hike for operators. If that is not enough, they should look elsewhere for capitalisation.
Mobilie Network Opertors such as MTN, Airtel. GLO had earlier said that it would soon implement the new tariff hike.
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, ‘Bosun Tijani, had cited rising global inflation as justification for the 50 percent telecom tariff hike approval.
The hike would see the cost of recharging calls and data and other telecom services increase by 50 percent.
Recall that the last time NCC hiked telecom tariffs was in 2013.
Business
Governor Mbah moves Coal Camp spare parts traders to new site

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has signed an Executive Order mandating the relocation of the Coal Camp spare parts and allied trades markets to the new International Spare Parts and Allied Trades Park.
The newly designated site spans Udi and Ezeagu local government areas along the Enugu-Onitsha Road.
This new market is designed with world-class infrastructure, including safety codes, a fire service station, a truck park, a clinic, and residential areas for traders.
The order, titled “Designation and Establishment of the Enugu International Motor Spare Parts and Allied Traders Park,” was signed in the presence of the state’s Attorney General, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, and leaders of the spare parts dealers’ association at the Government House on Friday.
Governor Mbah assured traders that the new market was purpose-built with all necessary amenities, addressing the shortcomings of the Coal Camp Market.
This new market is designed with world-class infrastructure, including safety codes, a fire service station, a truck park, a clinic, and residential areas for traders,” he said.
The President of the Enugu Motor Spare Parts Dealers Association, Chief Michael Nomeh, expressed gratitude, noting that previous administrations had failed to fulfill similar relocation promises.
“Since 1999 we have heard numerous promises to relocate us, but none were kept. Governor Mbah has proven to be a leader of action, fulfilling this promise in less than two years,” Nomeh said.
Source: DailyTrust
Business
Fed Govt approves Abia modular refinery
Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti said the modular refinery would be built by H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited.

The Federal Government has given approval for the construction of a modular refinery in Abia State.
Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti said the modular refinery would be built by H.I.S. Refinery and Petrochemical Company Limited.
Otti spoke during the flag-off of the reconstruction of 11.1 kilometers Obehie-Umudibia-Owaza road.
He said the refinery would be cited at the Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP) in Owaza, Ukwa West local government area of the state. Flagging-off the road project at St. Ann Secondary School, Obehie Asa,
Otti said that the road at completion, would boost marketability and viability of Abia Industrial and Innovative Park (AIIP). He said that significant changes would occur in the area after the completion of the road.
This project is therefore not just about creating access to the towns and villages along these corridor, it is more about reviving dormant economic assets, opening new horizons and reigniting the dreams that once starred the souls of our fathers.
“I’ll like to inform you that just a few days ago, we got the good news that the Federal Government has approved a modular refinery which would be cited inside the AIIP. ▪︎The Nation
Business
Dangote Petrochemical will soon launch its polypropylene
When the raw materials are locally available, there will be many more people who will be willing to invest in the economy.

The Dangote petrochemical plant located at Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, is set to introduce its polypropylene products into the local markets.
Polypropylene, a raw material made from petroleum-based thermoplastic polymers, is used for a wide number of different products, including plastic packaging, plastic parts for machinery and equipment, fibers and textiles, piping systems, chairs, and medical or laboratory use, among others.
Giving an update on the petrochemical plant in Lagos, Group Executive Director, Strategy, Capital Projects & Portfolio Development, Dangote Industries Limited, Devakumar Edwin, said that the Dangote Petrochemical will drive massive investment in the downstream industries, generating huge value addition in the country, creating employment, increasing tax revenues, reducing foreign exchange outflow, and increasing the country’s Gross Domestic Product.
“We have 77 types of polypropylene, which can go for different uses that we can produce from our petrochemical plant.
Currently, the plant is capable of producing about 900,000 tonnes of polypropylene per annum. Our Petrochemical plant should be the biggest in Africa.
“Right now, raw materials from polypropylene are imported into the country. There is no foreign exchange for manufacturers to import raw materials.
The Dangote Petrochemical plant is going to take care of this challenge. ” When the raw materials are locally available, there will be many more people who will be willing to invest in the economy.
So, it is not just the savings of foreign exchange from petrochemical products’ importation; the country’s downstream sector will also benefit hugely from the availability of petrochemicals in the country.”
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