Beyond telecom tariffs, Ajaero reiterated the NLC’s concerns over other economic challenges, including high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation on workers.
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs, following a meeting with government representatives on Monday night.
The protest, announced last week, was intended to oppose the tariff hike approved by the Federal Government, which the labour union argued would further burden Nigerians. However, after discussions at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the NLC agreed to put the demonstration on hold pending further negotiations.
Speaking after the meeting, NLC President Joe Ajaero disclosed that the government had agreed to establish a broader committee to reassess the entire telecom tariff structure. The committee, comprising five representatives from both the government and labour, is expected to submit its recommendations within two weeks.
“We emphasized that the NLC, as the largest organization in Africa, cannot be excluded from stakeholder consultations,” Ajaero said. “On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement on the tariff structure.”
He further explained that the committee’s findings would determine the union’s next course of action, including the possibility of protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals. Consequently, the symbolic submission of protest letters scheduled for Tuesday has been put on hold.
Beyond telecom tariffs, Ajaero reiterated the NLC’s concerns over other economic challenges, including high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation on workers.
“We have also expressed our displeasure over the high electricity tariff and the unbearable tax regime, which is suffocating workers. These remain unresolved issues that must be addressed,” he added.
The newly formed committee is expected to conclude its deliberations within two weeks, after which the NLC will decide its next steps based on the outcome.
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