The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has suspended its planned nationwide protest against the recent 50% hike in telecom tariffs, following a meeting with government representatives on Monday.
The NLC had rejected the tariff hike, demanding a reduction to 5%, and threatened a nationwide protest if its demands were not met. However, after discussions with the government, the union agreed to suspend the protest pending further negotiations.
A 10-member committee, comprising five representatives from the government and the NLC, has been established to review the tariff hike report and propose solutions. The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within two weeks.
NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the union remains concerned about other pressing economic issues, including electricity tariffs and burdensome taxes on workers. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that the NCC raised the tariff following a study, and that the NLC agreed to look at the study to come up with its resolutions.
The suspension of the protest has been welcomed by the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria, which had initially supported the protest but reversed its stance after a high-level meeting with the NCC.
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