Strike: SSANU gives FG one-month ultimatum to conclude renegotiation

—Condemns delay in salary payment

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru

ABUJA — The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has given the Federal Government a one-month ultimatum to conclude renegotiation with the union.

SSANU said that should the Federal Government fail to conclude the renegotiation with the non-teaching staff unions before the end of April, it would have no other option than to embark on an indefinite and total strike.

This, among other resolutions, was contained in the communique issued at the end of SSANU’s 54th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at Ekiti State University (EKSU), and signed by the association’s President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim.

According to the communique, NEC extensively deliberated on the state of the nation, the condition of Nigerian universities, and issues affecting the welfare of members of the union across its various branches.

On the Renegotiation of the 2009 Agreement, “NEC expresses grave concern over the slow pace and inconclusive nature of the ongoing renegotiation between the Federal Government and the non-teaching unions in the university system.

“Council observes that prolonged engagement without clear commitment, defined timelines, and tangible outcomes is unacceptable. NEC therefore insists that Government must, without further delay, reconvene and conclude the renegotiation process in a fair, transparent, and time-bound manner.

“In view of this, SSANU hereby issues a final ultimatum to the Federal Government from 1st April 2026 to 30th April 2026 to conclude the renegotiation process and sign the agreement.

“Should the Government fail to do so within this period, the Union will have no other alternative but to liaise with its partner in the Joint Action Committee of NASU and SSANU to commence an indefinite, comprehensive, and total industrial action.

“NEC makes it unequivocally clear that, in the event of such failure, there will be no going back on this decision by the JAC of NASU and SSANU.”

The association lamented the delays in the payment of salaries, increments, and withheld entitlements.

The communique partly read: “NEC condemns the persistent delays in the payment of salaries of staff in Federal and some State universities, as well as the non-payment of approved increments and other withheld entitlements. Council notes that these recurring delays have imposed severe hardship on members and their families, weakened morale, and undermined productivity across the university system.

“NEC therefore demands the immediate settlement of all outstanding salary-related issues and the establishment of a reliable and unified salary payment structure.

“Council recommends that Government should consider the adoption of the Remita platform as the channel for payment of salaries to university workers because of its seamless and reliable nature.”

On Earned Allowances, it said: “NEC expresses dissatisfaction with the failure of Government to fully and fairly implement the disbursement of the ₦50 billion Earned Allowances agreed upon in 2022. Council condemns the exclusion of Inter-University Centres and Research Institutes from previous disbursements and insists that all eligible categories of workers must be included without discrimination.”

The association deliberated on economic hardship and workers’ welfare

“NEC notes with concern the worsening economic hardship in the country, driven by inflation and the rising cost of living, which has further reduced the purchasing power of workers.

“Council calls on Government to urgently implement practical relief measures, including wage review, improved social protection, and concrete interventions that will cushion the effects of current economic realities on university workers.”

NEC observed that the funding crisis in Nigerian universities has persisted, leading to decaying infrastructure, weak service delivery, and inadequate support for teaching, research, innovation, and administration.

Council reiterated that education must be treated as a priority sector and calls for predictable, transparent, and adequate funding of public universities.

State of the Nation and National Security

NEC also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation across the country, including incidents of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, and other tragic attacks in different parts of Nigeria.

SSANU particularly lamented the loss of innocent lives in the recent attacks and extends condolences to affected families and communities. It called on the Federal Government to take more decisive, intelligence-driven, and sustained steps to secure lives and property across the federation.

“NEC notes with serious concern the growing insecurity within and around university campuses, including threats to staff, students, and critical infrastructure. Council calls on Federal and State Governments, as well as university authorities, to strengthen campus security architecture through improved surveillance, lighting, perimeter protection, rapid response mechanisms, and better welfare for security personnel,” the communique stated.

On going forward, “NEC demands the immediate reconvening of the renegotiation process; prompt resolution of salary delays, withheld salaries, and increments; fair disbursement of Earned Allowances to all eligible workers; protection of jobs under any reform framework; and the establishment of a standing consultative mechanism between Government and university unions for continuous dialogue and early dispute resolution.”

NEC reaffirmed that the continued neglect of the welfare of university workers and the persistent delay in resolving critical labour issues can no longer be tolerated.

“The Federal Government is hereby called upon to take immediate, sincere, and decisive steps to conclude the renegotiation process, settle all outstanding entitlements, and restore confidence in its commitment to industrial justice within the university system.”

It added that: “SSANU has demonstrated maturity, patience, and goodwill in the face of provocation and hardship. However, NEC makes it abundantly clear that if Government fails to act within the stipulated timeframe, the Union will not hesitate to embark on decisive and lawful industrial action.

“SSANU remains firmly united and fully prepared to defend the rights, welfare, and dignity of its members,” it concluded.

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