Nigerian University Staff Threaten Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Salaries

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) have issued a three-week ultimatum to the Nigerian government, demanding the payment of withheld salaries and the implementation of the 2009 agreements. If their demands are not met, the unions, under the Joint Action Committee (JAC), plan to initiate an indefinite strike, threatening to shut down universities nationwide.

The unions are seeking the payment of four months’ withheld salaries, improved remuneration, earned allowances, and the enforcement of past agreements made with the government. They have criticized the government for its failure to honor the 10-day grace period that ended on July 26, 2024, leaving six weeks without any progress on their demands.

In a statement co-signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi, the unions expressed frustration with the government’s delay. The JAC has now set a final deadline, starting September 17, 2024, for the payment of the outstanding salaries and implementation of agreements. If unmet, universities and inter-university centers may face a total shutdown.

Although President Bola Tinubu had reportedly approved the payment of withheld salaries as early as July 2024, the unions state that no action has been taken to release the funds. Despite these approvals, the unions remain skeptical and warn of serious consequences if the issues remain unresolved.