The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities, specifically the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), has declared an indefinite nationwide strike. This strike action is set to commence on the night of Sunday, October 27, 2024, following several unresolved issues with the Nigerian federal government regarding the non-payment of salaries owed to the members of these unions.
The main reason behind this decisive move is the accumulated unpaid salaries, with members allegedly being denied up to four months’ worth of wages. Union leaders stress that the strike is a last-resort effort, with prior negotiations and appeals to the government having failed to yield a resolution. They are demanding immediate payment and recognition of their members' contributions to the university system and insist that their rights as essential workforce members be acknowledged.
According to the JAC leaders, the decision to embark on this action was initially set for October 23, 2024, but was rescheduled to allow for the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches. The official circular, which was addressed to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in universities and inter-university centers, explained that this delay was strategic to ensure coordination and preparedness among the union branches nationwide.
This circular was signed by NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, both of whom expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of commitment from the government, despite prior assurances. They noted that, although President Bola Tinubu had approved the payment of 50% of the withheld salaries, no tangible action had been taken by the Minister of Finance, leading the unions to question the sincerity of the government’s commitment to a resolution.
The statement emphasized that JAC had issued several notices over recent months, appealing for immediate action to resolve the salary issue, yet these efforts have been largely unheeded. The union leaders stressed the importance of unity among their members and urged them to be prepared to join the strike as a means of amplifying their demands.
The circular explained that the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter-University Centres was held on Wednesday, October 23, and Thursday, October 24, 2024, at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where arrangements were made to ensure cohesion in their collective action. Consequently, the effective strike date was moved to October 27, 2024, allowing NASU branch officers to be present and fully prepared to coordinate the industrial action effectively.
NASU and SSANU’s leadership conveyed their gratitude for the unwavering dedication of their members throughout this challenging period. They emphasized their commitment to standing firm until they secure a victory for the welfare of their members and remain hopeful that the government will acknowledge the urgency of this matter and work toward a satisfactory resolution.