Telecom Employees Union Criticizes 50% Telecom Tariff Increase The National Union of Postal and Telecommunication Employees (NUPTE) has strongly condemned the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs, expressing concerns over its negative impact on Nigerian students and the broader economy. In an official statement, NUPTE President, Comrade Buba Nehemiah, labeled the tariff increase as harmful to national development and detrimental to the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians. The statement highlights: “This excessive increase not only places an unreasonable burden on Nigerians but also threatens the accessibility and affordability of essential telecommunications services, which are vital for communication, work, and economic activities in daily life.” NUPTE, joining the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in opposition, emphasized that this hike will worsen the struggles faced by Nigerians already grappling with rising living costs. “As a Union representing workers in the Postal/Courier and Telecommunications Sectors in Nigeria, we believe this punitive tariff increase undermines the socio-economic well-being of citizens, especially the working-class individuals who rely on affordable telecom services for communication, education, and business,” the statement continued. The tariff hike will particularly burden Nigerians in rural areas, where telecom services are often the only means of connection. NUPTE is calling on the Federal Government to urgently reconsider this decision and engage with key stakeholders—including consumer groups, labor unions, civil society organizations, and telecom operators—to find a more balanced and sustainable solution to telecom tariffs. “The Federal Government must act swiftly to protect the interests of all Nigerians and reverse this tariff hike, which could harm national development and the welfare of our people,” the statement urged. NUPTE reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and well-being of workers in the Postal, Courier, and Telecommunications sectors, ensuring that the voices of the Nigerian people are heard and respected in matters that impact their daily lives. RAED ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
Organised Labour has firmly opposed the outright sale of public refineries like the Port Harcourt Refinery to the private sector. After a recent inspection, Labour leaders emphasized their preference for a privatization model that ensures the private sector holds a controlling stake while government, workers, and host communities maintain minority shares. Labour’s Stance on Refinery Privatization The Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), alongside the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), have endorsed the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) model as the ideal framework for refinery privatization. What is the NLNG Model? The NLNG model is structured with the private sector owning a 51% majority stake, while the federal government retains 49%. This approach has proven effective in fostering collaboration and satisfaction among all stakeholders. NUPENG President’s RemarksPrince Williams Akporeha, President of NUPENG, stated that the visit to the Port Harcourt Refinery strengthened their position against outright privatization. He noted that: The Refinery’s Current PerformanceAkporeha confirmed that the Port Harcourt Refinery is operational and functioning efficiently, dispelling any doubts about its performance. The Labour leaders, including NLC, TUC, and PENGASSAN presidents, reiterated their commitment to rejecting any model that undermines taxpayers’ investments or turns public assets into political favors. Labour’s PositionOrganised Labour insists on the NLNG model as the only acceptable framework for refinery privatization. This ensures: ConclusionLabour’s stance underscores the need for strategic privatization that benefits all stakeholders while preserving national assets. The Port Harcourt Refinery serves as a testament to the importance of a collaborative and balanced approach to economic reforms in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
