The Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have reached an agreement to temporarily suspend demonstrations against the recent 50 percent increase in telecommunications tariffs.

The suspension, which will last for two weeks, followed a high-level meeting held between government officials led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume and NLC leaders led by Joe Ajaero, yesterday.

As part of the agreement, a 10-member committee made of five members from each team has been set to review the report of the tariff hike and propose solutions that balance the interests of telecom operators and consumers. The committee is expected to deliver its findings within the two-week window.

Speaking to journalists, Ajaero said: “We emphasised to them that the NLC is the largest organisation in the whole of Africa, and there is no consultation of stakeholders that does not include us that will stand. It was on that premise that they agreed to have a larger committee to look at the entire tariff structure and model to come up with a realistic and all inclusive agreement.

“So, the committee will be made up of five each from both sides, and it’s expected to come up 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 is what will determine our next line of action in terms of protest, in terms of boycott, in terms of even withdrawal of services, which are the three issues put online.

“But I want to use this particular meeting to put in our displeasure on the electricity tariff and the tax that is killing the workers now. The tax regime is unbearable. So, those are actions that are still on course until they are addressed. That’s the summary of the meeting.”

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said: “We have been engaging with members of Nigeria Labour Congress, the leadership, the president, secretary, and other members of the Executive Council of the NLC.

“We have met here under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. We have the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Minister of Budget, the Minister of Communication, Minister of Labour and myself, and, of course, the executive vice chairman of the NCC.

“We have deliberated at length. The crux of the matter is that there is already a study that was conducted by the NCC that led them to arrive at this 50 percent increase.

“Now, we are discussing this with labour and labour has agreed that they will look at that study. And then, a small committee has been set up to look at that study once again and come up with a final resolution for the consideration of government and labour in about two weeks time.

“The summary of it is that labour, the Nigerians Labour Congress specifically, and the delegation of the Federal Government have set up a committee of five each.

“We’re going to meet continuously for the next two weeks, and at the end of the second week, we will come up with a recommendation that we will give government and the organised labour for final consideration.

“Now, I think what has happened has effectively taken out that position (protests). Both of us have agreed. And in fact, it is an attempt to put a stop to that (protests) that led us to make this meeting to happen.

“The NLC and the government have sat down and agreed on a position; so there won’t be any protest tomorrow by the Nigerian Labour Congress. And there will be some form of report that will come up in about two weeks from now to consider the study and other considerations by both parties.”

The controversy began after the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved a 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs, citing rising operational costs and inflation. The NLC opposed the hike, describing it as “anti-people” and a further burden on already struggling Nigerians. In response, it announced plans for nationwide protests scheduled to begin today.

The Federal Government’s intervention came as tensions escalated, with fears that the protests could disrupt essential services and worsen public discontent. During the meeting, both parties committed to resolving the issue through dialogue rather than confrontation.

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