Nationwide strike begins as SSANU, NASU protest unpaid salaries

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities and Allied Institutions (NASU) commenced a nationwide strike on Monday, citing the failure to pay four months’ salaries.

Muhammed Ibrahim, SSANU’s National President, confirmed the upcoming strike in a statement to The Punch over the weekend, expressing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of their salary arrears.

However, Minister of Education Prof. Tahir Mamman claimed ignorance of the planned strike, stating, “I am not aware of any planned strike. But I know the matter is receiving attention at the highest level of government. I will get across to them.”

Following a prolonged strike in 2021, the federal government withheld university employees’ salaries, citing the no-work, no-pay policy.

While the salaries of members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities were released in February, SSANU and NASU were left out.

The SSANU leader reiterated their demand for salary release, citing their letters to government officials. When they did not receive a positive response, they issued a seven-day ultimatum, which expired without being resolved.

As a result, SSANU and NASU have instructed their members to launch a seven-day warning strike beginning Monday, March 18, 2024.

SSANU National Vice-President Abdussobur Salaam criticised the government’s silence, citing a lack of offers or negotiations over unpaid salaries.