Economy

NLC Suspends Telecom Tariff Protest After Government Meeting

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned one-day nationwide protest against the proposed 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs following a late-night meeting with government officials.

The decision was reached during discussions at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday, Naijaonpoint reports.

The protest, initially scheduled to commence this morning across the 36 states and Abuja, was put on hold to allow further dialogue between the labour union and the government.

Confirming the suspension, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that both parties had agreed to establish a broader committee to assess the telecom tariff structure and make recommendations within two weeks.

“We emphasised 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 examine the entire tariff structure and develop a realistic and all-inclusive agreement,” Ajaero said.

The newly formed committee, consisting of five representatives from the government and five from the NLC, is expected to conclude its review and submit its findings by February 17, 2025.

“The outcome of the committee’s work will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, boycott, and even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we have put forward,” Ajaero added.

While the symbolic submission of protest letters has also been postponed, the NLC maintains that other economic issues, including electricity tariff hikes and increased taxation, remain pressing concerns.

A communique issued after the meeting, signed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation George Akume, Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, NLC President Joe Ajaero, and NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, confirmed the establishment of the committee.

It stated: “Arising from the meeting convened by the Federal Government of Nigeria on the proposed 50 per cent hike in telecommunications tariffs in the country, which the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) strongly opposed, citing its potential negative impact on Nigerian workers and the economy, with a threat to proceed with 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 contentious issues raised during the discussion; consequently, a 10-man joint committee was set up, comprising five (5) representatives each from the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).”

The NLC has urged Nigerians to remain calm while the committee conducts its review, with further decisions on potential industrial action hinging on the outcome of the deliberations.

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