Federal Government Responds To Threats Of Fresh Strike By SSANU And NASU

The federal government has affirmed its commitment to ongoing discussions with the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) in light of the potential strike threat from these university-based labor unions. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressed the issue during a press conference, emphasizing the government’s intention to engage with the unions and find a lasting solution to their concerns.

SSANU and NASU had earlier announced plans to initiate a seven-day warning strike commencing on March 18, 2024. The unions warned that if their demands were not met by Monday, March 18, they would proceed to close all university hostels and disconnect power supplies across campuses.

Minister Idris, speaking after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, clarified that while the matter was not discussed during the meeting, the government was actively addressing the situation. He assured the public that the government would continue engaging with SSANU and NASU, along with other associations involved, to resolve the underlying issues.

Responding to queries about the exclusion of SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) from President Bola Tinubu’s directive to pay four months’ salary to university workers who had their salaries withheld due to the “No work, no pay” policy invoked during the 2022 strike, Minister Idris reiterated the government’s commitment to engage with all unions involved. He emphasized the government’s respect for every worker in Nigeria and its determination to find a fair resolution to the problem.

When pressed on why only ASUU was mentioned in the directive for salary payments, Minister Idris provided a general response, stating that the government would take the necessary steps to ensure that every individual receives what is rightfully due to them.

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