Mathew Amaechi
In a surprise move, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the 50% increase in telecommunications tariff, just hours before it was set to begin. The protest, scheduled for February 4, was called off after a meeting between NLC representatives and government officials on Monday night.
According to NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was reached during the meeting, which established a joint 10-man committee to review the tariff hike and submit its findings within two weeks.
The committee, comprising five representatives from the NLC and five from the government, aims to resolve the contentious issues surrounding the tariff increase.The NLC had initially condemned the tariff hike, describing it as an additional burden on Nigerians and an insensitive move by the government. However, after the meeting, Ajaero expressed optimism that the joint committee would find a solution that works for all parties involved.
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.
“The suspension of the protest is seen as a temporary reprieve for the government, which had faced intense criticism over the tariff hike. The outcome of the joint committee’s deliberations will determine the NLC’s next course of action, which may include protests, boycotts, or withdrawal of services.
