Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union restart negotiations with federal government following temporary work stoppage.

Negotiations between the Joint Action Committee of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities and the Federal Government have recommenced, following the suspension of an indefinite strike that began on April 30. The committee, which includes the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, had halted the strike on May 11 after receiving assurances from the Federal Government Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee.

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The strike had been called in response to delays in renegotiating agreements with the Federal Government, with the unions seeking the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, improved welfare packages, payment of allowances, and the rejection of unilateral salary offers.

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Mohammed Ibrahim, National President of SSANU and Chairman of JAC, confirmed in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday that discussions had resumed at the National Universities Commission headquarters in Abuja.

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Ibrahim stated that the discussions, which commenced on the day the strike was suspended, are expected to be concluded within a two-week timeline, including the signing of agreements.

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The unions are pushing for a minimum salary increase of 40 per cent, having rejected the government's initial 30 per cent offer, which has since been withdrawn.

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According to Ibrahim, government representatives have requested time to review figures, benchmarks, and other related issues before presenting a fresh proposal, with the unions insisting that any new offer must meet the 40 per cent threshold.

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Ibrahim expressed optimism that the renegotiation process would be concluded within the agreed two-week timeframe.

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However, he warned that the unions may resume the suspended strike if negotiations fail to yield an agreement within the specified timeframe.

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The mandate from the union members is clear, Ibrahim stated, with the strike set to resume if nothing is concluded after two weeks.