NASU and SSANU suspend 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 the suspension of their nationwide indefinite strike for one month, effective Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

The unions launched the strike on October 28, 2024, in response to what they described as the “government’s insensitivity” to their demands, including withheld salaries. This announcement was made in a joint statement signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU National President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim on Sunday.

The statement commended union members across universities and inter-university centers for their “unwavering resolve” and detailed the series of negotiations held with federal government officials. These discussions included meetings with the Minister of Education, Minister of Finance, outgoing Minister of State for Education, Accountant-General, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

As a result of these talks, the federal government committed to releasing two months of the four-month withheld salaries in staggered payments—one month by the end of October, which has largely been processed, and the other by the end of November.

The unions stated, “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, after several contacts and other patriotic considerations, hereby directs that the ongoing indefinite strike be suspended for one month effective Tuesday, 5th November 2024.”

Local NASU and SSANU branch leaders are instructed to convene campus-wide meetings on Monday, November 4, to inform members of this development and to resume work the following day. Discussions will continue on other outstanding issues, including the remaining two months of withheld salaries, N50 billion in earned allowances, arrears of 25/35 percent, and wage award adjustments.

The unions expressed gratitude for members’ commitment and resilience throughout the industrial action.