The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has explained why its members embarked on a nationwide industrial action after repeated appeals to the Federal Government for the payment of withheld salaries and other benefits.
SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, who announced the strike on Monday, explained that the union’s frustration with unmet commitments and a lack of progress in negotiations led to the strike.
Ibrahim emphasized that the strike, which also involves the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, was a last resort after “exhausting all possible avenues” to address longstanding issues.
“We have made several efforts to engage with the government to resolve the situation,” he said. “Our members have been patient, but we’ve been pushed to the wall.”
The unions are demanding payment of four months’ withheld salaries, improved remuneration, and fulfillment of the 2009 agreements made with the government.
Despite multiple meetings and assurances from officials, Ibrahim noted that the promised payments have yet to materialize.
“On July 17, we organized protests in Abuja, and the Nigerian Labour Congress raised the issue with the president during discussions on the minimum wage,” Ibrahim recalled.
“The president had directed that 50 percent of the withheld salaries be paid, but three months later, this promise remains unfulfilled.”
He highlighted that while previous government representatives had shown willingness to negotiate, no definitive action had been taken to address the grievances. “We have spoken with various ministers of education, who assured us of payment, yet nothing has come through,” he explained.
“Now, all university activities in areas such as bursary, registry, maintenance, security, and student affairs will be on hold until payments are made.”
Ibrahim added that once the outstanding salaries are received, the strike will be promptly ended. “I received a call from the minister-designate this morning about scheduling a meeting,” he stated.
“But for now, the strike will continue. If payments are processed today, we will immediately call off the strike since electronic transfers can be done swiftly.”
