The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced the suspension of their ongoing nationwide indefinite strike over unpaid salaries for a period of one month. The suspension will take effect on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, the unions expressed their appreciation for the unwavering support of their members throughout the strike, which began on October 28, 2024, due to what they termed “government’s insensitivity to the plights of our members concerning our legitimate demands.”
The statement, signed by Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, highlighted the extensive discussions held with federal government officials, including the new Minister of Education and the Minister of Finance. These negotiations led to a commitment from the government to pay two months of the withheld four-month salaries in staggered payments, with one month to be settled by the end of October 2024 and the second month by the end of November 2024.
“Given the commitment exhibited by the new minister and the leadership of the Department of State Services, the leadership of JAC has decided to suspend the ongoing indefinite strike for one month, effective Tuesday, November 5, 2024,” the statement read.
Union leaders have instructed branch leaders of both NASU and SSANU to convene a joint congress on Monday, November 4, 2024, to inform members of the development and encourage them to return to work the following day.
The statement also noted that discussions regarding the remaining two months of withheld salaries, a demand for N50 billion in earned allowances, and issues surrounding wage awards are still ongoing. The unions thanked their members for their solidarity during the strike and reiterated their commitment to addressing the outstanding issues.
