The Federal Government (FG) of Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the anticipated 50 percent increase in telecommunications tariffs. The agreement was finalized on Monday during a collaborative meeting focusing on the proposed tariff adjustments.
The MoU was endorsed by key figures including Sen. George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Muhammadu Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment; Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC; and Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary of the NLC.
The backdrop to this agreement includes vigorous opposition from the NLC, which had previously called for a nationwide protest scheduled for February 4, aimed at voicing discontent regarding the tariff increase.
As part of the terms outlined in the MoU, both parties have agreed to form a technical committee tasked with addressing critical issues that emerged during discussions. This committee will consist of ten members, with five representatives appointed by the FG and five by the NLC. They are expected to finalize their recommendations and submit their report within two weeks.
In light of these developments, the NLC has decided to suspend its planned mass rally. Ugboaja made this announcement in a statement to all state councils and affiliates in Abuja on Tuesday, emphasizing that the NLC’s National Administrative Council had initially set the protest in response to the proposed tariff hike.
“Following our resolution, the Federal Government invited us to a meeting, where an agreement was reached to establish a 10-member committee to address key concerns raised by Congress. As a result, our protest has already achieved success, as the government has conceded to some of our demands without the need for an actual demonstration. In light of this development, we will now pursue other decisions of Congress on this matter,” he stated.
Ugboaja expressed his gratitude for the solidarity shown by NLC members, urging them to remain optimistic as negotiations with the federal government continue. He reassured the public that both parties are committed to a peaceful resolution that reflects the best interests of the Nigerian populace.
