NASU and SSANU to Begin Nationwide Indefinite Strike Over Withheld Salaries

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) have announced an indefinite nationwide strike set to begin on Monday. The strike, coordinated by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions, was called in response to the government’s continued withholding of four months' salaries for union members. The affected salaries date back to a period when NASU and SSANU members supported a strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) during former President Muhammadu Buhari's administration.

According to a JAC circular, the strike initially planned for October 23 was rescheduled to Sunday, October 27, following a NASU Trade Group Council meeting at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The circular, signed by NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that the delay allows branch officers to prepare for the strike's nationwide commencement.

The JAC expressed frustration over the government’s lack of response, despite President Bola Tinubu's approval for a 50% payment of the withheld salaries. They claimed that the Ministry of Finance’s alleged inaction has raised doubts about the government’s sincerity in addressing their grievances.

“It is on record that JAC of NASU and SSANU has issued multiple notices to the government to redress this situation. However, the sincerity of the government to our cause is in doubt,” the circular stated.

The unions have reiterated their commitment to securing full payment, thanking members for their loyalty and urging continued solidarity. The strike is expected to disrupt university operations nationwide as non-teaching staff withdraw their services indefinitely.