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 an indefinite strike set to begin Monday, October 28, 2024. This decision, set to take effect from midnight on Sunday, follows an ultimatum issued to the Federal Government, demanding the resolution of various grievances, including the payment of withheld salaries.
The statement, signed by NASU’s General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, highlighted the unions’ demands for improved remuneration, settlement of earned allowances, and the fulfillment of agreements reached in 2009. According to JAC, the Federal Government’s “No Work, No Pay” policy—invoked during a prolonged university strike in 2022—has left members without four months of their salaries.
The JAC statement reiterated the unions’ patience over months of dialogue and multiple unfulfilled promises from the government. “Despite several deadlines and peaceful protests, including one held at Unity Fountain, Abuja, on July 18, 2024, the government has failed to address our demands,” the statement read. “We are now left with no choice but to proceed with a total, indefinite strike to push for our rightful and legitimate demands.”
NASU and SSANU branches across all Federal and State-owned universities and inter-university centers nationwide have been directed to hold congress meetings on Monday and initiate the strike. The unions also encouraged state-owned universities to incorporate any local demands into the action as needed.
The unions call for unwavering compliance from all members, emphasizing that this strike action aims to press the government into addressing outstanding concerns that affect the well-being and financial stability of their workforce.
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