The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has put on hold its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% increase in telecom tariffs approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
Briefing journalists on Monday night in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero announced that the suspension was to allow for negotiations with the federal government.
This decision followed a meeting with government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Ajaero stated that the government had agreed to establish a larger committee tasked with reviewing the entire tariff structure.
The committee will consist of five representatives from each side and is expected to deliver its findings within two weeks..
Ajaero said: “We emphasized that the NLC is the largest organisation in Africa, and no stakeholder consultation can exclude us and still stand.
“On that basis, they agreed to form a broader committee to ensure a fair and inclusive agreement to look at the entire tariff structure as a model to come out with a realistic and all-inclusive agreement.
“So the committee will be made up of five representatives, from both sides and expected to come out with a result after two weeks.
“That will determine the next line of action and the process of engagement. The symbolic action of submitting the letters tomorrow will be put on hold until the outcome of such a committee.
“The outcome of such a committee is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, and in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues we put online.”
