SSANU, NASU begin nationwide strike over salary payments

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union have begun a nationwide strike today in protest against what they perceive as unjust treatment and disparities in salary payments by the Federal Government.

Last week, these unions issued a warning, threatening to disrupt university operations, including hostel services and power supply, if their demands were not met by today, March 18, 2024.

Muhammed Ibrahim, the National President of SSANU, disclosed that their members, including Vice Chancellors, registrars, and bursars, have yet to receive arrears owed from 2022.

Confirming the commencement of the strike, Ibrahim stated during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Show program that essential university services such as administration, security, and maintenance have been halted.

“Definitely, it (the strike) has already started.

ALSO READ

• SSANU, NASU threaten university shutdown over unmet demands
• NLC begins nationwide protest
• Sanwo-Olu Increases Lagos Workers’ Salary By 20%
• JUST IN: FG, Labour resume talks at Villa to avert nationwide strike
• Economic hardship: Nationwide protests begin today as NLC joins other unions

“As of today (Monday), all our workers in registry, bursary, works and maintenance, security, and students’ affairs have withdrawn their services and nothing moves within the administration of any public university in Nigeria and that will be the case for the next seven days until and unless the needful is done,” he stated.

Despite the announcement of the strike, Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman claimed to be unaware of the unions’ plans.

In response, Ibrahim emphasized the seriousness of the strike, highlighting that no government representative has formally engaged with the non-academic unions.

He expressed disappointment in the lack of compliance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive regarding the payment of arrears.

Additionally, Ibrahim criticized the Minister of Labour, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, for failing to reach out to the unions, despite a seven-day notice issued last week.

He contrasted this with the responsiveness of the former Labour Minister, Chris Ngige.

The unions have given the government a seven-day ultimatum to address their grievances, warning of further action if their demands are not met.