The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has put on hold its planned protest over the recent 50% hike in telecommunication tariffs. The suspension followed a meeting between the labor union and a federal government delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, on Monday.

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According to a statement by Seguin Imohiosen, Director of Information & Public Relations in the office of the SGF, the meeting aimed to preserve industrial harmony and safeguard the interests of Nigerians.

Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, speaking on behalf of the Federal Government, explained that the meeting focused on examining a study conducted by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which prompted the tariff increase.

Following extensive discussions, both parties agreed to form a 10-member committee—comprising five representatives each from the Federal Government and the NLC. The committee is tasked with reviewing the NCC study and submitting its findings within two weeks.

“So, the summary of it is that Labour, specifically the Nigerian Labour Congress, and the delegation of the federal government have set up a committee of five each. We will convene here continuously for the next two weeks, and at the end of the second week, we will present our recommendations to the government and organized labour for final consideration,” said the minister.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, stated that the union would await the committee’s report before determining its next course of action.

In attendance at the meeting were Minister of Communication and Digital Economy Bosun Tijanni, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and CEO of the NCC Dr. Aminu Maida, Minister of Labour and Employment Alhaji Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Budget and National Planning Atiku Bagudu, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, among others.

Last Wednesday, the NLC had announced plans for a nationwide mass rally on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, to protest the 50% telecom tariff increase approved by the NCC. The NLC argued that the rally would serve as a warning against imposing such an unjust increase on a population grappling with a minimum wage of just ₦70,000, alongside the burden of soaring petrol prices, expensive food, rising electricity tariffs, and overall inflation.