The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs following a meeting with the Federal Government on Monday. The decision was announced after extensive deliberations aimed at protecting the interests of Nigerians and maintaining industrial harmony.
The meeting, chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, had in attendance several key government officials, including the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who explained that the tariff hike was based on a study conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Following the discussions, both parties agreed to establish a 10-member committee comprising five representatives from the Federal Government and five from the NLC. The committee will review the NCC’s study on the tariff increase and submit its report within two weeks.
Mohammed Idris stated, “Labour and the Federal Government have set up a joint committee that will meet continuously over the next two weeks and come up with recommendations for consideration by both parties.”
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, confirmed that the union would await the outcome of the committee’s report before deciding on its next steps.
Present at the meeting were Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Bosun Tijanni, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Labour and Employment Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among others.
The NLC had initially planned a mass rally for February 4, 2025, in protest against the tariff hike, describing it as unfair to Nigerians already burdened by the rising cost of living, including increased fuel prices, electricity tariffs, and food prices.
With the protest now on hold, all eyes will be on the committee’s findings and the Federal Government’s response to the recommendations. The NLC has stressed that the protection of workers’ welfare remains its priority.
