SSANU and NASU Threaten Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, demanding payment of long-overdue salaries within three weeks or face an indefinite strike.

The unions are pushing for the settlement of four months’ worth of withheld salaries, enhanced remuneration, and the fulfillment of agreements made in 2009. They have been waiting since a 10-day grace period expired on July 26, 2024, which was given for the government to clear the arrears. However, six weeks past the deadline, no payments have been made.

In a joint statement released on September 12, 2024, SSANU President Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi outlined their grievances. They stated, “We have decided to give the government another three weeks, starting from September 17, 2024, to settle the four months’ withheld salaries and address the agreements reached on August 20, 2022. If these conditions are not met, our members may be compelled to go on an indefinite strike.”

The unions have expressed frustration that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval of the salary payments, implementation remains stalled. “We have confirmed that the President approved the payment of the four months’ withheld salaries on July 18, 2024, during a meeting with NLC and TUC leaders,” the statement noted. “We also understand that the President has recently approved the release of these payments. Unfortunately, there has been no action taken to effect this approval.”

The potential strike, if it proceeds, could disrupt university operations and affect inter-university centers, significantly impacting students and educational activities across the country. The unions’ decision underscores their frustration with the ongoing delay and their determination to secure fair compensation for their members.