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Telecom tariff hike: NLC plans mass rally on Feb. 4
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The Nigeria Labour Congress on Wednesday declared it would embark on a nationwide protest against the proposed 50 per cent telecom tariff hike announced by the Nigerian Communications Commission on February 4 in a communiqué signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero.
The decision was taken at the National Administrative Council meeting of the NLC on January 29.
Similarly, Civil Society Organisations have pledged their support for the nationwide protest.
Failure to reverse the hike, Ajaero warned, might result in a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
Endorsing the rally, the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre, National Civil Society Council of Nigeria and the Take It Back Movement condemned the tariff hike and assured that they would participate in the protests.
The Federal Government had approved a 50 per cent increase though the telecom operators requested a 100 per cent increase.
In response to the development, the NLC rejected the hike describing it as insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace already burdened by the worsening economic hardship.
Ajaero said, “After extensive discussions, the following resolutions were reached: NAC-in-session totally rejected the 50 per cent telecom tariff hike which it considers as too harsh for citizens. It therefore strongly condemns the Nigeria Communications Commission’s decision to approve the increase in telecommunications tariffs.
“This decision is insensitive, unjustifiable, and a direct assault on Nigerian workers and the general populace, who are already burdened by worsening economic hardship foisted on them by the policies of the government which was no fault of theirs.”
He noted that the union would embark on a nationwide protest on February 4 to warn against the decision of the government.
Ajaero said, “To express our collective opposition to this arbitrary tariff hike, the NLC will embark on a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
‘’The rally will serve as a warning on the dangers of imposing such an unfair increase on a struggling population earning a minimum wage of only N70,000; a population that has suffered outrageous hikes in the price of petrol, high cost of food, hike in electricity tariff and general rising inflation.”
Ajaero directed all NLC affiliates to mobilise their members for the rally.
He said, “All NLC affiliates and state councils are directed to begin full mobilization in preparation for the February 4, 2025, nationwide protest rally. Willing civil society allies are also encouraged to join the preparation.
“The congress calls on all Nigerian workers, the informal sector, and the general public to stand in solidarity against this unjust policy.”
He demanded an immediate suspension of the 50 per cent tariff hike, calling on the Federal Government to dialogue with stakeholders.
The labour leader warned that failure to do this might result in a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.
He stated, “NAC-in-session demands an immediate suspension of the 50 per cent tariff hike. It calls on the Federal Government, the Nigeria Communication Commission and the National Assembly to engage in meaningful dialogue with critical stakeholders to review the proposed tariff adjustment within the context of the economic realities facing Nigerians.
“Should these not be heeded, the Nigeria Labour Congress will escalate its actions, including the possibility of a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services and further mass actions which may involve nationwide withdrawal of our service to resist policies that exacerbate poverty and inequality.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and citizens against exploitative economic policies. We will not relent in our struggle against policies that undermine the welfare and dignity of our people.
‘’Nigerian workers and citizens must unite and take action to prevent further economic oppression. We must resist any policy that prioritizes corporate profits over the well-being of the people.”
Commenting on the planned protest, the Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said the organisation will always side with the people and “support any action to bring down these prices and reduce the hardship Nigerians are facing.”
He added, “CISLAC will always side with the people, will always support the Nigerian people, as against the multinational corporations that are extorting Nigerians, and their collaborators within the government.
‘’We will always uphold efforts at ensuring that the welfare of Nigerians and the living conditions of Nigerians improve. Whatever the position the NLC has taken, CISLAC will support any action that is going to help the masses and is going to bring down the prices for Nigerians that are suffering.’’
The Director of Mobilisation for the Take It Back Movement, Damilare Adenola, mentioned that the group would participate in the nationwide protests.
“I can say that we instigated the NLC to take action. So, for us to have done that implies that we are part and parcel of the action. We stand for the reversal of the tariff hike, unequivocally. We are not asking for a reduction,” Adenola stated.
The Executive Director of the NCSCN, Blessing Akinlosotu, said the declaration of the nationwide protest by organised labour showed that Nigerians were unhappy with the tariff hike.
He added that the council would picket the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council office.
“We have submitted a letter officially to the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Council office, and we let them understand that from the Civil Society Council that we lead, over 20 different organisations have written to the council to express displeasure over the frivolous and high increment without proper consultation.
‘’We wrote them officially today, and in the letter, it was there that we will start a protest on Monday. So, I was not even aware of the NLC calling for a protest. But we have notified them officially of picketing their office on Monday morning.
‘’The economy is not friendly to the poor masses, fuel has been increased, electricity tariff has been increased, which is extremely high on Nigerians. And now, to reach out to loved ones will be extremely difficult. That is the height of suffocation,’’ he complained.
However, the telecommunications companies and subscribers have strongly opposed the NLC over for its planned protest.
Speaking with The PUNCH, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria Chairman, Tony Emoekpere, questioned the Congress for singling out telecom operators in its protest, while price hikes in other sectors have gone largely unchallenged.
“When the prices of tomatoes, onions, or bread increased, did we see any protests? No one took to the streets when transport fares rose due to increasing fuel costs,” he remarked.
He stressed the need for fairness, pointing out that telecom operators have absorbed significant financial pressures over the years.
Emoekpere emphasised that the tariff adjustment was necessary to ensure that improvements in service quality accompany the price hike.
“This tariff adjustment is not simply an increase; it is intended to coincide with enhancements in service quality.
Our primary focus should be on improving the quality of service to benefit consumers,” he explained.
He further warned that resistance to the hike could undermine the sector’s sustainability and negatively affect service delivery.
“If the industry is not allowed to thrive, it will be unable to meet the service demands of consumers. Remember, this is a private sector service, not a government agency,” he added.
The National Association of Telecommunications Subscribers supports the tariff hike but calls on the NCC to reduce it to 10 per cent.
Last week, it initiated dialogue with the telecom regulator, but the parley ended in a deadlock.
As a result, the association has expressed its intention to challenge the approved tariff increase in court.
The National President of ATCIS, Sina Bilesanmi, dismissed the NLC’s planned protest, asserting that the 50 per cent tariff hike had been finalised.
As a key participant in the discussions that led to the decision, Bilesanmi noted that the tariff adjustment followed extensive consultations between stakeholders, including the NCC, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, and telecom industry representatives.
“The 50 per cent hike has been implemented and is here to stay. There’s no need for protest or further action,” he stated. “ATCIS was part of the decision-making process, alongside other stakeholders, during meetings held from January 8 to January 13.”
Bilesanmi expressed concern that the NLC’s involvement in the matter was misplaced, suggesting that the union should focus on advocating for workers’ welfare instead of engaging in disputes over telecom tariffs.
“This is not their area of concern. They should focus on workers’ welfare. The NCC has engaged the appropriate stakeholders, and we were all part of those meetings,” he said.
He also pointed out that previous opposition to tariff adjustments had impeded industry progress.
“Where was the NLC when we were battling telcos and former ministers over this issue? Now, after careful deliberations, the decision has been made, and we stand by it. Let’s see what they intend to do next,” he noted.
The alleged fake National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office claimed it had Federal Executive Council approval dating back to 2017, nine years before the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission uncovered it.
The office, which was domiciled in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, also created a nationwide network of appointments covering geopolitical zones and states.
ICPC Chairman Dr Musa Aliyu said the commission uncovered the alleged fake office during its investigation into the fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and other weaknesses in the public service.
“Upon further briefing by ICPC to Mr President on the ongoing investigations into the fake PFIPC and procedural weaknesses in the public service, the ICPC has uncovered another fake agency and office operating under the name National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Special Project Office, which has been illegally allocated office space within the premises of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation,” Aliyu said.
He identified the promoter as George Nwabueze, alleging that he operated under several variations of the name with the suspected collaboration of senior public servants in the OSGF.
“The promoter Nwabueze was discovered to also operate under four other variations of his name: George Nathan, George Nathan Nwabueze, Hon. George Buchi Nwabueze, Prince George Buchi Nwabueze and George Nwabueze,” Aliyu said.
A profile on the organisation’s website identified Nwabueze George as its “Executive Director, National Coordinator”, while the website presented the outfit as a federal agency responsible for promoting Nigerian brands and local manufacturing.
The website claimed that the Federal Executive Council had approved a “National Campaign to Sensitize Nigerians on the Patronage of Made-in-Nigeria Products” at a February 1, 2017, meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, during the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
It also listed the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as the implementing ministry and cited a purported “Bill for an Act to Establish the National Brands Development and Made-in-Nigeria Promotion Commission and for Related Matters”.
Beyond its claims of federal approval, the alleged agency had established a leadership structure spanning the geopolitical zones and several states.
At the national level, it listed Dr Bassey B. Unaowo as Special Assistant to the Permanent Secretary on Political and Economic Affairs in the OSGF, Dr Hajara Njidda Amoni as Director, National Administration, and Nwabueze as part of the leadership.
It also named zonal directors for the South-West, North and South-East, alongside state coordinators across the North-West, North-Central, North-East, South-South, South-East and South-West.
The state officials were designated “State Coordinator, National Brand Development and Made in Nigeria Project Office”, with profiles carrying an official-looking green and white insignia bearing the inscription “National Brands Development, The Presidency, Made in Nigeria.”
The outfit also maintained social media accounts under the handle “@pmainpro” on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn.
However, the ICPC said its findings showed that the office had no presidential authorisation and was operating contrary to extant laws.
The discovery followed the earlier investigation into the alleged fictitious Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, whose self-styled Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, is facing prosecution for alleged forgery and impersonation.
Following the ICPC briefing, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate arrest of Nwabueze and suspended three Permanent Secretaries M.S. Danjuma, Engr Nadungu Gagare and Richard P. Pheelangwah pending investigations.
Aliyu said the commission had engaged officials of the OSGF to establish how the alleged fictitious office obtained accommodation within the Secretariat and would investigate the roles of the suspended officials and others connected with the network.
“I have briefed Mr President comprehensively on these new developments. ICPC will continue with its investigations accordingly,” Aliyu said.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed the tenures of the Director-General of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Abdulhamid Salihu Dembos, and the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Ali Mohammed Ali, for another three years.
This is contained in a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on Sunday.
According to the statement, Tinubu first appointed Dembos and Ali to head the NTA and NAN, respectively, on October 20, 2023. Their second terms will commence on October 20, 2026.
Dembos, from Yola, Adamawa State, is a former National President of the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers Union (RATTAWU).
He previously served as Executive Director of Marketing at the NTA after his retirement from the organisation in 2017.
Dembos joined the NTA as an announcer at its Kaduna station after completing his National Youth Service in 1989. He subsequently rose through the ranks, serving at various times as General Manager of NTA Lokoja and NTA Kano.
He retired in 2017 as the Acting Zonal Director of the NTA Kaduna Network Centre.
Ali, on the other hand, is a veteran journalist and media manager with more than 30 years of experience.
He has a keen interest in media evolution and content development in the digital era, particularly in meeting the needs of diverse audiences through alternative news platforms.
Ali holds a first degree in English from Bayero University, Kano; a graduate degree in International Affairs from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from Bayero University, Kano.
President Tinubu urged the two chief executives to justify the confidence reposed in them by continuing to demonstrate commitment to the mandates of their respective organisations and the promotion of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The death of veteran Nollywood actor Taiwo Hassan, popularly known as Ogogo, has renewed attention on Nigerian film stars who lost their lives after battling different forms of cancer.
Hassan died on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at the age of 66. His daughter, Kira Taiwo, confirmed his death during an emotional live video.
Days before his death, Kira and her sister, Haleemah, disclosed that their father had been diagnosed with stage four cancer. They appealed for medical assistance after doctors reportedly said his condition had become difficult to treat.
Here are other Nollywood actors whose deaths were linked to cancer.
1. Taiwo Hassan ‘Ogogo’
Taiwo Hassan built a career that spanned more than four decades, with memorable appearances in Yoruba and English language productions.
The actor, producer and director was known for films including Owo Blow, Omo Ghetto and Aníkúlápó.
His death came days after his daughters publicly revealed his battle with stage four cancer. The particular type of cancer was not disclosed.
2. Alexx Ekubo
Alexx Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, at the age of 40.
His family said the actor died at Evercare Hospital from complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.
Ekubo was known for films including Weekend Getaway, Lagos Cougars, The Bling Lagosians, Omo Ghetto: The Saga and A Sunday Affair.
His illness was largely kept away from the public until his death.
3. Tom Njemanze
Veteran actor Tom Njemanze died in July 2025 at the age of 75 after battling prostate cancer.
Before his death, videos showed him receiving treatment in a hospital as colleagues appealed to the public for financial assistance.
Njemanze became popular through his performances in films including Issakaba, Osuofia in London, Pounds and Dollars, Brain Box and Twin Brothers.
4. Stella Ikwuegbu
Veteran actress Stella Ikwuegbu died on June 16, 2024, after battling what her colleagues described as leg cancer.
Movie producer Stanley Nwoko announced her death and paid tribute to her contribution to the Nigerian film industry.
Ikwuegbu was known for playing motherly and elderly characters in numerous Nollywood productions.
5. Ethel Ekpe
Ethel Ekpe died in February 2024 after battling cancer. The specific type of cancer was not publicly disclosed.
She became popular for playing Segi in Ken Saro-Wiwa’s television comedy series, Basi and Company.
The actress also featured in Amaka Igwe’s Forever, Sons of the Caliphate, Speak the Word and several other productions.
6. Karibi Fubara
Nollywood actor and producer Karibi Fubara died on December 15, 2021, following a battle with kidney cancer.
Fubara disclosed in 2020 that doctors had discovered a large, mid-stage kidney tumour. He later underwent surgery to remove about 90 per cent of it.
His death was announced by members of his family about 19 months after the surgery.
Fubara featured in productions including God Calling, Smart Money Woman, Castle and Castle and Quam’s Money.
7.Sadiq Daba
Veteran actor and broadcaster Sadiq Daba died on March 3, 2021, after battling leukaemia and prostate cancer.
Daba received treatment in Nigeria and abroad following financial support from well-wishers.
He became widely known for his role in the television series Cockcrow at Dawn. He also played Inspector Waziri in Kunle Afolayan’s October 1, a performance that earned him the Africa Movie Academy Award for Best Actor.
8. Doris Chima
Veteran actress Doris Chima died in August 2021 after battling breast cancer for more than six years.
The Chairman of the Actors Guild of Nigeria in Lagos State, Emeka Rising Ibe, confirmed her death.
Chima appeared in several Nollywood productions before her illness kept her away from the screen.
9. Ify Onwuemene
Ifeyinwa Onwuemene, popularly known as Ify Onwuemene, died on May 25, 2021, after battling stage four endometrial cancer.
Her colleague, Gloria Anozie-Young, said the actress underwent surgery and several chemotherapy sessions during her treatment.
Onwuemene became popular for playing the wife of Sam Loco Efe’s character in the television series Everyday People.
10. Aisha Abimbola
Yoruba actress Aisha Abimbola, popularly known as Omoge Campus, died in a Canadian hospital in May 2018 after battling breast cancer.
She rose to fame through her appearance in the film Omoge Campus in 2001.
Abimbola also featured in No Pain, No Gain, Awerijaye, So Wrong So Right and Kamson and Neighbours.
The deaths of these actors highlight the impact cancer has had on the Nigerian film industry.
Some fought the disease publicly and received support from colleagues and fans. Others kept their diagnoses private until their deaths.
Credit: guardian.ng
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