By Gloria Ikibah

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly opposed the recent approval of a 50 percent increase in telecommunication tariffs by the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).

In a statement issued by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the union described the hike as a “harsh burden” on Nigerian workers and the masses already grappling with severe economic challenges.

According to the NLC, the tariff hike disproportionately affects workers and ordinary Nigerians who rely heavily on telecommunication services for daily communication and work. The union noted that with the current minimum wage at ₦70,000, the average worker would now spend approximately 15% of their salary on telecom charges, up from 10%. This, the NLC warned, is unsustainable for most Nigerians.

“The decision to approve a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, while neglecting the plight of citizens struggling with inflation and the rising cost of living, highlights the government’s prioritization of corporate profits over the welfare of its people,” the statement read.

The NLC further criticized the speed with which the government approved the tariff hike, contrasting it with the prolonged delay in implementing the recent minimum wage increase.

The union argued that this disparity reflects a lack of commitment to the welfare of Nigerian citizens and questioned when the government would prioritize the needs of the people it swore to protect.

While acknowledging the need for periodic tariff reviews, the NLC insisted that the approved 50% hike is excessive and called for immediate dialogue to consider a more reasonable increase. The union also called on the National Assembly to intervene and hold the executive accountable for policies that negatively impact the masses.

As part of its response, the NLC urged Nigerian workers and citizens to reject the tariff hike, warning that failure to reverse the decision could lead to collective action, including a nationwide boycott of telecommunication services.

“We will not allow policies that entrench poverty and inequality to go unchallenged,” the statement declared. “This is a fight for our dignity, our rights, and our survival as a people.”

The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses, vowing to resist policies that undermine their welfare.

For now, all eyes are on the Federal Government and the NCC to see whether they will heed the calls for reconsideration or face the prospect of nationwide protests.

By Francesca Hangeior

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, has dismissed reports claiming that his ministry awarded a section of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road dualisation project to an inactive company called Infoquest Nigeria Ltd.

Speaking at a press conference held on Tuesday in Abuja, which was also attended by the Minister of State for Works, Mohammed Bello Goronyo, Umahi labelled the report as mischievous, insensitively misleading, and injurious.

A report had emerged on Tuesday that Umahi said a portion of the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano road project was awarded to Infoquest Nigeria Ltd, as the company received a “No Objection” certificate for the amount of N252.89 billion from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for the rehabilitation of the section.

The however minister clarified that the Ministry of Works has no business relationship with “Infoquest Nigeria Ltd.”

He explained that the company with a contractual relationship regarding the project is “Infiouest International Limited,” which is corporately active and fully compliant with all legal requirements and regulations under the Companies and Allied Matters Act.

Umahi criticised the “mischief” created by the publication, describing it as a deliberate effort by a cartel to malign the ministry, undermine the Renewed Hope administration’s efforts to revolutionise road infrastructure and discredit a company with proven capacity in road construction.

He demanded that Daily Trust newspapers issue a public apology to the Federal Ministry of Works, to be published in at least five national dailies, for unjustifiably publishing false information against the ministry.

Umahi also addressed recent publications by Julius Berger Plc, alleging misrepresentation of facts concerning their former contractual obligations on the Abuja-Kaduna road project.

He wondered why “the coordinated onslaught of falsehood, blackmail, gang up by adversaries to the policy of government just because of the Ministry’s insistence on a new order of value for money, quality assurance and best practices in project pricing and execution”.

“These actions by contractors and their allies aim to undermine the government’s efforts to bring accountability and quality to infrastructure projects,” he added.

Umahi also urged the public to join in his desirable fight against national sabotage by some contractors.

The Supreme Court has set February 10, 2025, to hear two separate suits filed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) challenging the validity of the local government elections conducted in Rivers State in 2024.

On the same day, the apex court will hear five additional cases related to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which began in October 2023 when a faction loyal to former governor and current FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, attempted to impeach Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

The crisis intensified after Fubara sealed off the state Assembly complex in response to impeachment moves. Subsequently, lawmakers defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC, which Fubara dismissed as illegitimate. This led to the creation of a controversial three-member Assembly that took critical legislative actions, including passing the 2024 budget.

The legitimacy of the Assembly and its decisions have become a legal matter, progressing through the Rivers State High Court, Federal High Court, and the Court of Appeal before reaching the Supreme Court.

Legal Consolidations and Disputes

The Supreme Court has consolidated four appeals for a streamlined hearing, including:

Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Rivers State Government
Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Rivers State Governor
Rivers State House of Assembly vs. RSIEC
Rivers State House of Assembly vs. Accountant General of Rivers State
These appeals, along with the two separate APC suits, will be heard on February 10.

2024 Local Government Elections

The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) scheduled the local government elections for October 5, 2024, despite objections from the APC. The APC alleged that RSIEC violated a bill extending the tenure of local government chairmen, passed by the Martin Amaewhule-led Assembly.