By Ayo Kehinde
The non-academic staff unions of Nigerian universities have declared an indefinite nationwide strike, effective Monday, October 29, 2024, over withheld four mouths salaries by the Federal Government.
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), disclosed this in a statement.
The notice of strike was issued by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the two non-teaching staff unions to their members in federal universities across the country.
A circular to all branch chairmen of NASU and SSANU in the universities and inter-university centres noted that the strike, initially billed for October 23, was rescheduled because of the Trade Group Council meeting of NASU branches on the said date.
The circular, signed by General Secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi, and SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, explained that the change in timing was for effective coordination and for both unions to be on the same page.
JAC said the decision followed multiple ultimatums earlier issued and protests held to ensure that the government paid the withheld salaries without yielding positive results.
The Unions expressed regret that despite President Bola Tinubu’s approval for 50 percent payment of the withheld salaries, the Finance Ministry’s delayed response has raised doubts about the government’s commitment to resolving the issue.
“We have exercised considerable and prolonged patience, allowing multiple deadlines to pass without receiving a satisfactory response to our demands by the Government.
“It is on record that the JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation. However, the sincerity of the government to our cause is in doubt.
“However, the Trade Group Council Meeting of NASU branches in the Universities and Inter-University Centres has been scheduled to hold on Wednesday, 23rd and Thursday, 24th October 2024, at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the arrangements for the meeting already concluded.
“In light of this, JAC leadership has decided to move the effective strike date to midnight on Sunday, October 27, 2024, allowing NASU branch officers to be in place before initiating the strike.
“We had to make this strategic adjustment for better coordination and to ensure unity between both unions.
“In view of this, this is to direct all our members in the universities and inter-university centres throughout the country to hold a joint congress in their respective campuses on Monday, 28th October 2024 and proceed on an indefinite, comprehensive and total strike action as no concession should be given in any guise.
“We deeply appreciate your continued commitment to our leadership, and we reaffirm our resolve to continue this struggle until we secure a decisive victory”, the joint statement read in part.
