The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced the suspension of it planned one-day protest against a 50 per cent hike in telecom tariffs.
The NLC was set to begin the protest today (Tuesday) in all the 36 states of the federation, including Abuja.
Recall that the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) had recently endorsed the 50 per cent tariff review in view of the rising operational costs driven by inflation, foreign exchange fluctuations and higher energy expenses.
The labour centre opposed the increase saying it is “insensitive and unjustifiable and a direct attack on Nigerian workers and the general populace who are already suffering under worsening economic hardship caused by government policies beyond their control.”
It called for a significant reduction and threatened a nationwide protest if there was no downward review of the hike.
However, following a meeting with government officials at the office of the secretary to the government of the federation on Monday night, the NLC resolved to halt the demonstration pending further discussions.
Confirming the suspension of the protest and the reason behind it, the president of NLC, Mr Joe Ajaero said the meeting agreed to set up a larger committee to review the entire tariff structure.
He explained that the committee will be composed of five representatives from both sides and is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.
“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,” he said.
Ajaero further said the next steps would include protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals, depending on the outcome of the committee’s work.
“The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow (today) will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee.
“The outcome of such a committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we put online,” he added.
Meanwhile, Ajaero said the NLC was concerned about other pressing economic issues, including electricity tariffs and burdensome taxes on workers.
“We have also expressed our displeasure over the high electricity tariff and the unbearable tax regime, which is killing workers. These remain unresolved issues that must be addressed,” he added.
In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, a 10-man committee was formed to negotiate unresolved issues.
“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 representatives each from the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC),” the communiqué stated.
The committee was given two weeks, starting from February 3, 2025, to conclude and submit its report.
The communiqué was signed by the secretary to the government of the federation, Mr George Akume; minister of labour and employment, Mr Muhammad Dingyadi; NLC president, Ajaero and the general secretary of the NLC, Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja.
Speaking on the matter, the minister of information and national orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, said the NCC raised the tariff following a study.
“The crux of the matter is that there is already a study that was conducted by the NCC that led them to arrive at this 50 per cent increase. Now, we are discussing this with Labour.
“Labour has agreed that they will look at that study, and then a small committee has been set up to look at that study once again and come up with a final resolution for the consideration of government and Labour in about two weeks.
“So, the summary of it is that the Nigeria Labour Congress and the delegation of the Federal Government have set up a committee of five each.
“We are going to meet here continuously for the next two weeks, and at the end of the second week, we will now come up with a recommendation that we will give to the government and the organised Labour for final consideration.
“Both the organised Labour, the NLC particularly, and the government people have sat down here and have agreed on this position.
“So, there won’t be any protest tomorrow (today, Tuesday) by the Nigeria Labour Congress, and there will be some form of report that will come up in about two weeks from now to consider the study and other considerations by both parties,” he said.
