In a significant turn of events, Nigeria’s largest labor union, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has called off a planned nationwide protest against a 50% increase in telecom tariffs, following negotiations with the government. Initially set for February 4, the protest had been planned in response to the tariff hike approved by the country’s telecommunications regulator, marking the first such increase in over ten years.
The NLC, which represents millions of workers, had criticized the increase as “insensitive,” citing the impact on consumers already grappling with inflation rates nearing 35% and a depreciating naira. In response, the union threatened to boycott telecom services or strike unless the government intervened.
However, after discussions between the NLC and government officials late on Monday, both parties reached a compromise. They agreed to form a 10-member committee, with equal representation from the union and the government, tasked with reviewing the tariff hike. The committee is expected to present its findings and propose solutions by February 17.
This development marks a crucial step in addressing the concerns of workers and consumers, as both sides now aim to resolve the issue through dialogue rather than through mass protests.
