The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the 50% telecom tariff increase following a meeting with government representatives on Monday in Abuja.
The telecom regulator, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), defended the tariff hike, citing inflation, forex fluctuations, and rising energy costs as key factors. However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) rejected the increase, demanding a reduction to 5% and threatening mass action.
After extensive deliberations, both parties agreed to form a committee consisting of five representatives each, tasked with reviewing the tariff structure within two weeks.
NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized that the union remains firm in its stance against the hike, calling it insensitive and unjustifiable. He warned that if the committee’s outcome is unsatisfactory, protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals may follow.
Meanwhile, the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), which had initially supported the protest, also suspended its action after an economic review of telecom service providers’ financial statements and operational costs.
The NCC insists that the increase is necessary for sustaining telecom operations, while telecom operators ruled out any immediate tariff reduction.