The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have announced the suspension of the indefinite nationwide strike that commenced last week. This development follows appeals and assurances from the Federal Government's Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee.
SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, disclosed the suspension during an interview on Sunday in Abuja. He stated that the two unions have issued a two-week deadline for the conclusion and signing of agreements with the Federal Government. The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU had on May 1 directed members to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike to press home their demands.
Ibrahim explained, "We are giving a two-week window to conclude the renegotiation exercise and sign agreements as promised." He added that the committee assured the unions that the process would be completed within that period. According to him, the suspension is based on firm commitments from the government side, and the unions expect full conclusion of the renegotiation and signing of agreements within the agreed timeline.
However, Ibrahim noted that the suspension is temporary and strictly conditional on government compliance with the deadline. He warned that failure to meet the agreement could trigger fresh industrial action. "We will closely monitor the negotiations within the two-week window. All outstanding issues must be resolved without further delay," he said.
Key Demands of the Unions
The unions' key demands include the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, a salary structure review, and full implementation of collective bargaining outcomes. They also demanded improved welfare conditions, payment of outstanding allowances and arrears, and rejection of unilateral salary offers such as the reported 30 per cent increase.
The suspension of the strike brings temporary relief to the university system, which had been disrupted by the industrial action. Stakeholders are now watching closely to see if the government will honor its commitments within the two-week timeframe.
