NASU and SSANU Begin Indefinite Strike Over Withheld Salaries and Unmet Demands

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has initiated an indefinite strike. This action, starting Sunday night, comes in response to the Federal Government’s failure to address the unions’ demands, which include withheld salaries and the implementation of past agreements.

Union Demands and Government Response

In a statement issued to the press, SSANU’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, and NASU’s General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, confirmed that the government’s final deadline for action expired at midnight on 27th October 2024. The unions seek immediate payment of four months’ withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and full implementation of the 2009 agreements.

The unions’ grievances follow the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s application of a ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy during a 2022 strike by university-based unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). Since that action, NASU and SSANU have continued to press for their entitlements without result, despite numerous appeals and deadlines.

Prior Warnings and Inaction

A recent circular from the JAC, titled Latest Development in Respect of the Withheld Four Months’ Salaries (Ref: JAC/NS/VOL.III/32), dated 21st October 2024, expressed frustration over the Federal Government’s inaction. It highlighted that JAC gave the Federal Government seven days to meet its demands, with no response. During a peaceful protest at Unity Fountain in Abuja on 18th July 2024, the unions also issued a 10-day ultimatum, warning that further delay could result in nationwide campus shutdowns.

The statement described the government’s response as inadequate, despite “considerable and prolonged patience” and repeated assurances of payment.

Nationwide Strike Begins Monday

In response to the government’s silence, the JAC has directed its members at universities and inter-university centres nationwide to hold joint congresses on Monday, 28th October 2024, to initiate a total, indefinite strike. NASU and SSANU branches in federal, state, and inter-university centres are expected to comply, with state-owned universities encouraged to add their own local demands.

The unions have emphasised full compliance, insisting that no concessions will be made during the strike.