NLC Suspends Planned Protest Over Telecom Tariff Hike After Meeting with Government Officials

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has put its planned protest on hold following a meeting with representatives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration over the recent 50% increase in telecommunications tariffs. The meeting, held on Monday, was led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.

A statement from the Director of Information and Public Relations in the SGF’s office, Segun Imohiosen, explained that the discussion aimed to maintain industrial harmony while addressing concerns over the tariff hike. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, speaking on behalf of the federal government, said the meeting focused on reviewing a study conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which formed the basis for the tariff increase.

After extensive deliberations, both parties agreed to form a 10-member committee, consisting of five representatives each from the federal government and the NLC. The committee has been tasked with reviewing the NCC study and submitting its findings within two weeks.

“The summary is that Labour and the federal government delegation have set up a committee of five each. We will meet continuously over the next two weeks, and at the end of that period, we will present a recommendation for final consideration,” Idris stated.

NLC President Joe Ajaero confirmed that the union would wait for the committee’s findings before deciding on its next steps.

The meeting was attended by key government officials, including the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijanni; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; Minister of Labour and Employment, Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, among others.