NASU and SSANU Agree to Temporarily End Strike for One Month

The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) on November 3, 2024 announced the suspension of their ongoing strike for one month.

This decision followed extensive deliberations with the Federal Government, which resulted in a commitment to address the unions' demands regarding withheld salaries.

The indefinite strike, which began on October 28, 2024, was initially prompted by the government's failure to pay four months of withheld salaries from 2022.

However, after receiving payment for one month of these salaries at the end of October, the unions decided to temporarily halt the strike. The suspension is set to take effect on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

In a joint statement signed by SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim and NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi, the unions expressed appreciation for the commitment shown by the new Minister of Education and the leadership of the Department of State Services.

They noted that the government had agreed to pay the remaining two months of withheld salaries in a staggered manner, with the second month expected by the end of November 2024.

The unions also highlighted ongoing discussions concerning other demands, including the N50 billion Earned Allowances, arrears of 25/35 percent, and the Wage Award. Despite the temporary suspension, the unions emphasized their members' unwavering resolve and determination throughout the industrial action.

Meanwhile, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has vowed to continue its protests over similar issues, as they have only received partial payment of their withheld salaries.

NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma stated that if the government fails to meet their demands by November 13, 2024, the union would proceed with a nationwide protest and picket the Ministry of Finance.