The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities has directed its members to embark on a nationwide, indefinite strike starting Monday.
The decision stems from the government’s failure to release four months of withheld salaries owed to union members, despite prior commitments.
The JAC, comprising the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), conveyed this directive in a circular issued to all branch chairmen across universities and inter-university centers.
Signed by Mr. Peters Adeyemi, General Secretary of NASU, and Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, President of SSANU, the circular was titled, “Latest Development in Respect of the Withheld Four Months Salaries.”
“It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this ugly situation,” the statement reads. “However, the sincerity of government to our cause is in doubt.”
The unions noted their disappointment, highlighting that no payments have been received despite President Bola Tinubu’s recent approval for 50% of the owed salaries. “We had hoped for a resolution, but regrettably, none of our members have received any part of these withheld funds,” JAC emphasized.
As a result, JAC announced that the strike would officially begin at midnight on Sunday, October 27, 2024. “This timing allows branch officers of NASU and SSANU to be on ground before the commencement of the strike,” the circular explained, adding, “We have to do this strategic change in timing for effective coordination and to ensure both unions are aligned.”
Expressing gratitude to members for their resilience, JAC reiterated its commitment to seeing the matter resolved in favor of its members. “We express our deepest appreciation for your steadfast commitment to the leadership,” the committee wrote, “and we affirm our determination to persist in this struggle until ultimate victory is secured.”
