Nigerian Government Appeals To SSANU, NASU To End Warning Strike

The Federal Government has issued an appeal to the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) to suspend their seven-day warning strike.

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, conveyed the plea in a statement released by Olajide Oshundun, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, on Monday in Abuja….READ ALSONLC Urges FG To Address SSANU, NASU Grievances Amid Nationwide Strike, University Closures

The warning strike, initiated by the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU, was prompted by the non-payment of four months’ withheld salaries.

In October 2023, President Bola Tinubu had directed the payment of four months’ salaries to university workers who had engaged in a prolonged strike in 2022. Notably, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which also participated in the strike, had received payment for their withheld salaries.

Mrs. Onyejeocha expressed dismay at the unions’ actions, deeming them a blatant disregard for the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to address their grievances. She emphasized that the Ministry had not been formally notified of the unions’ intention to proceed with the warning strike, which contravenes Section 18 of the Trade Dispute Act.

Efforts were made by the Ministry to convene an emergency meeting with the union leaders to avert the strike, but physical meeting arrangements were hindered. Instead, a teleconference was held between the unions’ leadership and the ministry.

Despite the Ministry proposing a conciliation meeting for Monday, March 18th, the unions rejected the date.

The Minister underscored that strikes should only be considered as a last resort after exhausting all avenues for conciliation, urging SSANU and NASU to reconsider their stance and engage in constructive dialogue with the government.

She also called upon all Nigerians to prioritize actions that contribute to the country’s well-being and the welfare of its citizens.