The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its proposed protests against the recent 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), citing the need for further engagement with government.
President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero disclosed the decision after a meeting between the union and government officials at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in Abuja on Monday.
NEW DAILY PRIME reported that organised labour had fixed the planned nationwide demonstrations over the telecom tariffs hike to commence today (Tuesday) in a bid to force down the huge hike.
However, following assurances that a broader committee would be constituted to reassess the tariff structure, the labour union agreed to stay action and await a positive resolution of an issue that is central to the everyday lives of over 150 million Nigerians.
The labour chef insisted that as the largest labour organisation in Africa, the union could not be sidelined in any stakeholder consultations regarding policies that directly affect Nigerian workers and the general public.
He stated that the newly proposed committee would ensure a more inclusive and realistic framework for telecom pricing, addressing the concerns raised by the union.
While the planned symbolic submission of protest letters has been put on hold, Ajaero emphasised that this suspension does not signal an end to its agitation against policies that impose financial strain on Nigerians.
The labour body reiterated its opposition to rising electricity tariffs and excessive taxation, which it described as major obstacles to workers’ welfare and economic stability.
He further warned that the next course of action—including protests, service boycotts, or even withdrawal of labour—would be determined by the committee’s final recommendations.
Ajaero said the NLC remained on high alert, closely monitoring the developments to ensure that workers’ interests are adequately protected.