The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has shelved its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% telecom tarrif hike approved by the Nigeria Communications Commission, NCC.
The NLC announced the suspension after a meeting with government representatives in Abuja on Monday night.
The labour union had last week announced the protest, citing the burden the tariff increase would place on Nigerians.
But, speaking with newsmen after the forum, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the congress decided to halt the protest, in order to allow government more time for further discussions.
While stating that the government had agreed to set up a larger committee to review the entire tariff structure, he pointed out that the committee would be composed of five representatives from both sides and that it is expected to submit its findings within two weeks.
“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,” he stated.
According to the NLC president, the symbolic action of submitting protest letters 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,” he further said.
