In an effort to restore normal operations at federal universities across Nigeria, 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 announced a temporary suspension of their nationwide indefinite strike.
This decision follows a prolonged standoff with the Federal Government over unpaid salaries, which had resulted in a halt to various non-academic activities at federal institutions. The suspension will officially take effect tomorrow, November 5, 2024, allowing thousands of non-academic staff to return to work.
The strike, which began on October 28, 2024, was initially prompted by the government’s delay in addressing withheld salaries for NASU and SSANU members. The government had reportedly withheld four months’ worth of wages, causing severe financial strain for many workers and prompting union leaders to demand urgent action. The decision to suspend the strike came after partial payment from the government, with the unions receiving approximately 50 percent of the owed salaries.
According to a circular sent to NASU and SSANU members, signed by NASU’s General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU’s National President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, the suspension is currently set for one month. During this period, union leaders are hopeful that the Federal Government will fulfill its commitment to pay the remaining amount.
The circular announcing the suspension of the strike said, “The National leadership of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) 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.
“You will recall that the ongoing strike action foisted on us commenced on Monday, 28th October 2024 as a result of the Government’s insensitivity to the plights of our members in respect of our legitimate demands
“During this industrial struggle, 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.
