NLC Suspends Planned Protest Over Telecoms Tariff Hike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the 50% increase in telecommunication tariffs. This decision came after a meeting with federal government representatives on Monday, where both parties agreed to establish a joint committee to review the tariff structure.

The Joint Committee

The committee, comprising five representatives from the government and five from the NLC, has been tasked with presenting its findings within two weeks. The committee’s primary objective is to review the current tariff structure and determine whether the recent hike was justified.

NLC’s Expectations

The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, emphasized that the union’s next steps, including potential protests or service withdrawals, will depend on the committee’s conclusions. Ajaero also expressed concerns over high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation, which he believes are worsening conditions for Nigerian workers.

“We are not just fighting against the telecoms tariff hike, but also against the high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation. We believe that these policies are anti-people and are further impoverishing Nigerian workers,” Ajaero stated.

The Way Forward

The NLC has stated that it will await the outcome of the review committee before deciding on further actions. The union has also called on the federal government to expedite the review process and ensure that the committee’s findings are implemented.

“The NLC is committed to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers, and we will not hesitate to take action if the government fails to address our concerns,” Ajaero warned.

Conclusion

The suspension of the planned protest is a welcome development, as it provides an opportunity for both parties to engage in constructive dialogue. The establishment of the joint committee is a positive step towards resolving the issue, and the NLC’s decision to await the committee’s findings demonstrates the union’s commitment to finding a peaceful resolution.

However, the NLC’s concerns over high electricity tariffs and excessive taxation remain a pressing issue that requires urgent attention from the government. As the review committee begins its work, it is essential that the government takes concrete steps to address these concerns and ensure that Nigerian workers are not further impoverished.