The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Joe Ajaero barely 24 hours before the commencement of the Tuesday, February 4 nationwide protest has suspended the industrial action.
Ajaero said the Congress had reached an agreement with the federal government to suspend the action for two weeks.
The protest is in response to the 50 per cent tariff increase approved by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). It is expected to take place across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Ajaero said the decision was taken after the union met with the government representatives.
Ajaero, noted that the government had agreed to set up a larger committee to review the entire tariff structure.
He said, “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.
“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.”
He added that the union’s next steps, including protests, boycotts, or service withdrawals, would depend on the outcome of the committee’s work.
“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,” he said.
