The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned one-day nationwide protest against the proposed 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs to allow for further dialogue with the federal government.
The demonstration, which was scheduled to take place across all 36 states and Abuja, was put on hold following a meeting with government officials on Monday night at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Confirming the suspension, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that both parties agreed to set up a broader committee to review the telecom tariff structure.
He explained, “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.”
“So, the committee will be made up of five representatives from both sides and is expected to present its findings 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 the committee’s work.”
Ajaero further noted, “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.”
While the planned submission of protest letters has been suspended, Ajaero stressed that the NLC remains concerned about other economic issues, including high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation on workers.
He also pointed out that the congress had expressed dissatisfaction with the rising cost of electricity and the proposed tax policies, insisting that all unresolved labor-related matters must be addressed.
A communique issued after the meeting confirmed the formation of a 10-member joint committee, with five representatives from the federal government and five from the NLC, to resolve outstanding concerns.
It read in part, “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 committee has been given two weeks, starting from February 3, 2025, to complete its work and submit a report.
The NLC urged Nigerians to remain patient as discussions continue, assuring that unresolved labor-related concerns remain on its agenda.
The communique was signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; NLC President, Joe Ajaero; and the General Secretary of the NLC, Emmanuel Ugboaja.
