The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has decided to suspend its planned protest against the recent 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs. This decision came after a crucial meeting between the union and a delegation from the federal government, led by George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on Monday.
According to a statement issued by Seguin Imohiosen, the Director of Information & Public Relations in the Office of the SGF, the meeting aimed to promote industrial harmony and safeguard the interests of Nigerian citizens. Imohiosen stated that the discussions were focused on addressing the concerns raised by the NLC regarding the tariff hike and its potential impact on ordinary Nigerians.
The Federal Government delegation, led by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the primary purpose of the meeting was to review the findings of a study conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which led to the approval of the 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs.
In a significant development, both parties agreed to form a joint 10-man Committee to further investigate the matter. This committee will consist of five members from the NLC and five from the federal government. Their task will be to review the study carried out by the NCC and submit their findings within the next two weeks.
“So, the summary of it is that Labour and the Nigerian Labour Congress specifically 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 government and the organised Labour for final consideration,” a representative of the Federal Government said after the meeting.
Following the announcement, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero expressed that the union would await the outcome of the committee’s review before deciding on any further action. Ajaero’s statement reflected the NLC’s willingness to cooperate with the federal government but also underlined the importance of the committee’s findings in shaping future decisions.
The high-level meeting was attended by several prominent government officials. These included Bosun Tijanni, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Dr. Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Also present were Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. The meeting underscored the importance of the issue, with various government stakeholders present to ensure a comprehensive approach.
The NLC had initially declared its intention to hold a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, in protest against the 50% telecom tariff hike. However, the suspension of the planned protest reflects a temporary de-escalation in tensions between the labour union and the government.
Peace OdekunleFebruary 4, 20252 Mins read
