SSANU, NASU reaffirm suspension of planned strike

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SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim

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The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have reaffirmed the suspension of the indefinite nationwide strike earlier scheduled to commence on May 11.

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SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

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Ibrahim said the two unions had given a two-week deadline for the conclusion and signing of agreements with the federal government.

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It would be recalled that the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU had on May 1 directed members to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.

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The unions, however, agreed to suspend the strike following appeals and assurances from the Federal Government Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee.

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“We are giving a two-week window to conclude the renegotiation exercise and sign agreements as promised,” he said.

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He added that the committee had assured the unions that the process would be completed within the period.

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According to him, the suspension is based on firm commitments from the government side.

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He stated that the unions expected full conclusion of the renegotiation exercise and signing of agreements within the agreed timeline.

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Ibrahim noted that the suspension was temporary and strictly conditional on government compliance with the deadline.

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He warned that failure to meet the agreement could trigger fresh industrial action.

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“We will closely monitor the negotiations within the two-week window.

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“All outstanding issues must be resolved without further delay,” he said.

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NAN recalls that the unions’ key demands include the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, salary structure review and full implementation of collective bargaining outcomes.

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They are also demanding improved welfare conditions, payment of outstanding allowances and arrears, and rejection of unilateral salary offers such as the reported 30 per cent increase. (NAN)

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