The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs, which was approved by the Federal Government.
The decision to halt the demonstration came after a meeting with government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Monday night. Both parties agreed to further discussions on the matter.
“We emphasized that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand,” NLC President Joe Ajaero stated.
Ajaero revealed that a committee, comprising five representatives each from the government and labour unions, has been set up to review the issue. The committee has been given two weeks to submit its findings and recommendations.
As a result, the symbolic submission of protest letters, originally scheduled for Tuesday, has been put on hold pending the committee’s outcome.
“The outcome of the committee will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, boycott, or withdrawal of services,” Ajaero added.
Beyond the telecom tariff hike, the NLC also voiced concerns over high electricity tariffs and burdensome taxation on workers, which Ajaero described as “killing workers.”
“We have also expressed our displeasure over the high electricity tariff and the unbearable tax regime. These remain unresolved issues that must be addressed,” he stressed.
The NLC stated that it will await the outcome of the review committee before deciding on further actions, including potential protests or service withdrawals.
