The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs approved by the Federal Government.
The decision to suspend the demonstration came after a meeting between the NLC and government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday night.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking to journalists after the meeting, confirmed that the government had agreed to establish a joint committee to review the entire telecom tariff structure. The committee will include five representatives from both the government and the NLC, tasked with submitting their findings within two weeks.
Ajaero expressed hope that the review would address the concerns of Nigerians burdened by the tariff increase, adding that the union would continue to engage constructively with the government on matters affecting the welfare of citizens.
Ajaero stated, “We emphasized that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand.
“On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to look at the entire tariff structure as a model to come out with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.
“So the committee will be made up of five representatives, from both sides and expected to come out with a result after two weeks.
“That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement. The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee.
“The outcome of such a committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, and in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we put online.”
He added that the union’s next steps, including protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals, would depend on the outcome of the committee’s work.
While the planned symbolic submission of protest letters has been put on hold, Ajaero noted that the NLC remains concerned about other pressing economic issues, including electricity tariffs and burdensome taxes on workers.
“We have also expressed our displeasure over the high electricity tariff and the unbearable tax regime, which is killing workers. These remain unresolved issues that must be addressed,” he said