The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned one-day protest against the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs to allow further dialogue with the Federal Government.
The protest, which was set to take place across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory today, was called off following a late-night meeting between the NLC and government officials at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Monday.
NLC President Joe Ajaero confirmed the suspension, stating that the meeting led to the creation of a 10-member committee to reassess the entire telecom tariff structure.
“We emphasised that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand,” Ajaero said. “On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement. The committee, which includes five representatives from both sides, is expected to present its findings within two weeks.”
He added that the committee’s recommendations would determine the next course of action, including possible protests, service boycotts, or other measures.
While the symbolic action of submitting protest letters has been put on hold, Ajaero stressed that the NLC remains deeply concerned about other economic hardships faced by Nigerians. These include high electricity tariffs and excessive taxes on workers, which the union has also raised with the government.
The NLC insists that all unresolved labour-related issues must be addressed.
A communique issued at the end of the meeting outlined the resolutions reached, including the establishment of a 10-man committee to address the contentious issues.
It stated:
“Arising from the meeting convened by the Federal Government on the proposed 50% 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, the following resolutions were reached:
1. A need for both parties to sit in a technical group to resolve key issues raised during the discussion.
2. Formation of a 10-man joint committee, comprising five representatives from the Federal Government and five from the NLC.
The committee has been given two weeks, starting from February 3, 2025, to submit its report.”
The NLC urged Nigerians to remain calm while the committee carries out its work.
The communique was signed by key officials, including the 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.
