JUST IN: NASU, SSANU Suspend Nationwide Strike for One Month

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced a temporary suspension of their nationwide indefinite strike. The strike, which began on October 28, 2024, was originally launched in protest of unpaid salaries and alleged government neglect of workers’ welfare.

In a joint statement issued on Sunday, NASU and SSANU leaders, Prince Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU, confirmed that the suspension will take effect on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

The unions initiated the strike in response to what they described as the Federal Government’s “insensitivity to the plights of our members in respect of our legitimate demands.” However, recent high-level meetings with government officials, including the new Minister of Education and the Minister of Finance, have led to a breakthrough. According to the unions, the government has committed to a phased payment of withheld salaries: one month of arrears by the end of October (which has reportedly been largely fulfilled) and another month’s payment promised by the end of November.

“Arising from the above and in view of the level of commitment exhibited by the new minister and the leadership of the Department of State Services, the leadership of JAC… hereby directs that the ongoing indefinite strike be suspended for one month effective Tuesday, 5th November, 2024,” the statement reads.

Branch leaders have been instructed to hold joint meetings on Monday, November 4, across campuses to inform members of the development, with the unions encouraging workers to return to their duties on November 5.

While NASU and SSANU expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment, they noted that unresolved issues, including unpaid allowances, arrears of 25/35 percent, and a promised N50 billion in Earned Allowances, are still under discussion. The unions have reaffirmed their commitment to further dialogue with the government in the coming weeks.