The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called off its current strike for a month.
On Monday, October 28, 2024, the JAC of SSANU and NASU went on indefinite strike over the four months of unpaid wages. Since then, activities have been based at institutions across the country.
However, following the payment of one month’s salary out of four on Friday, the unions asked their members to return to work on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, in a statement signed by SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi on Sunday.
According to the statement, a high level of engagement resulted in the Federal Government’s irrevocable promise to pay the two months of withheld salaries in staggered installments.
“Arising from the above and in view of the level of commitment exhibited by the new minister and the leadership of the Department of State Services, the leadership of JAC, after several contacts and other patriotic considerations, hereby directs that the ongoing indefinite strike be suspended for one month effective Tuesday, 5th November 2024.
“Branch leaders of both NASU and SSANU are hereby directed to convene a joint Congress in their respective campuses on Monday, 4th November 2024, and inform members of these developments and urge them to resume work on Tuesday, 5th November 2024,” it read.
The statement added that during the industrial action, “We have had several extensive and exhaustive deliberations with the officials of the Federal Government of Nigeria, including the new Minister of Education, the Minister of Finance, the outgoing Minister of State for Education, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, the Accountant-General of the Federation, and the leadership of the Department of State Services.
“The national leadership of the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU acknowledges and commends our members in the universities and inter-university centres for their unwavering resolve, unrelenting determination, and steadfast support for the ongoing strike action.”
The statement added that discussions on the remaining two months, N50 billion earned allowances, arrears of 25/35 percent, and the Wage Award have been revisited and are currently being deliberated.
Unions are demanding payment of withheld salaries for four months, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and implementation of 2009 agreements with the government.
