The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs following a meeting with a Federal Government delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume.
A statement from Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information & Public Relations in the SGF’s office, confirmed that the meeting was held to maintain industrial harmony and address the concerns of Nigerian workers.
During the discussion, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, explained that the tariff hike was based on a study conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). To ensure a thorough review, both parties agreed to form a 10-member committee—comprising five representatives each from the Federal Government and the NLC—to reassess the study and submit a report within two weeks.
Speaking on the resolution, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero stated that the union would await 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, Wale Edun, NCC CEO, Dr. Aminu Maida, Minister of Labour, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The NLC had earlier announced a mass rally for February 4, 2025, in protest of the tariff hike, citing the economic strain on Nigerians who are already struggling with rising fuel prices, food costs, electricity tariffs, and inflation.
With the suspension of the protest, all eyes are now on the committee’s recommendations, which will determine the next course of action.
