NLC Halts Planned Protest Over Telecom Tariff Hike, Sets Two-Week Deadline for Talks

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).

NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking to journalists in Abuja, said the decision follows a meeting with federal government representatives at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. He stated that the suspension allows for negotiations and the formation of a broader committee to review the entire tariff structure.

“We emphasized that the NLC is the largest organization 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,” Ajaero said.

The committee, comprising five representatives from both the government and the NLC, has been given two weeks to deliver its findings. The outcome will determine the next course of action, including the possibility of protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals.

With the NLC watching closely, all eyes are now on the committee’s deliberations to see if they will lead to a fair resolution—or if the labor movement will return to the streets.