NLC Suspends Planned Protest Against Telecom Tariff Hike After Meeting with Government
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced the suspension of its planned nationwide protest against the recent hike in telecom tariffs.
The decision came after a meeting between NLC leaders and government representatives, where both parties agreed to form a committee to review the tariff structure.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, addressed the press after the meeting, stating that the government had acknowledged the NLC’s critical role as the largest organization in Africa and agreed to include them in a broader stakeholder consultation process.
“We emphasized that the NLC is the largest organization in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand,” Ajaero stated. “On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to look at the entire tariff structure as a model to come out with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.”
The newly formed committee will consist of five representatives from both the government and the NLC. They are expected to present their findings and recommendations within two weeks. The NLC President emphasized that the outcome of this committee’s work would determine their next course of action.
“That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement,” Ajaero explained.
“The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee.”
While the planned protest has been suspended, Ajaero made it clear that the NLC remains committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and the general populace. He stated that if the committee’s recommendations are not satisfactory, the NLC would consider various options, including protests, boycotts, and even the withdrawal of services.
“The outcome of such a committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, and in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we put online,” Ajaero concluded.
The suspension of the planned protest offers a window for dialogue and negotiation between the government and the NLC. It remains to be seen whether the newly formed committee can reach a consensus that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders and leads to a sustainable solution for the telecom tariff issue.