The Joint Action Committee of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has begun an indefinite strike, shutting down activities in universities nationwide from 28th October, 2024, Monday.

The strike was triggered by the Federal Government’s failure to address union demands, which include payment of four months of withheld salaries, implementation of a 2009 agreement, earned allowances, and improved worker remuneration. An ultimatum issued by the unions to the government expired Sunday at midnight, prompting the strike action.

Union leaders, NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi and SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim, expressed frustration over the lack of government response, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s directive to pay back wages in 2023 applied only to academic staff, excluding non-teaching staff. Despite multiple ultimatums, protests, and warning strikes, the salaries of NASU and SSANU members remain unpaid, which the unions say reflects government indifference to their plight.

The unions have directed their members across federal and state universities to fully comply with the industrial action, emphasizing that no concessions should be allowed. With SSANU members responsible for managing critical campus facilities, there are concerns that the strike could lead to a complete halt in university operations across Nigeria.