Following a Monday night meeting, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has shelved its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs approved by the federal government.
The protest was billed to begin this Tuesday, but the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero announced the suspension of the strike action after the meeting.
The meeting with government representatives, including Mr. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in his office, resolved to put a brake on the demonstration pending further discussions by a committee comprising five representatives from both sides. The Committee is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.
Said Ajaero to journalists after the meeting: “We emphasised 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…
“We have also expressed our displeasure over the high electricity tariff and the unbearable tax regime, which is killing workers. These remain unresolved issues that must be addressed.”