The Joint Action Committee of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities has resumed negotiations with the Federal Government following the suspension of its indefinite industrial action. The committee, which comprises the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, returned to the negotiating table on Monday. The unions had earlier commenced an indefinite strike on April 30 due to delays in the renegotiation of agreements but suspended the action on May 11 following appeals and assurances from the Federal Government Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee.
The demands put forward by the unions include the conclusion of the 2009 agreement renegotiation, improved welfare conditions, the payment of allowances, and the rejection of unilateral salary offers. The SSANU National President and JAC Chairman, Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed the resumption of talks at the National Universities Commission headquarters in Abuja. Speaking on the progress of the meeting, Ibrahim said, “We have resumed discussions today and expect to conclude the process, including signing of agreements, within two weeks.” He clarified that the two-week timeline commenced on the day the strike was suspended.
Ibrahim disclosed that the unions have demanded a minimum salary increase of 40 per cent. He noted that a previous 30 per cent offer from the government was rejected and subsequently withdrawn. Ibrahim stated, “We rejected the government’s 30 per cent offer, and it has been withdrawn. Our demand remains a minimum of 40 per cent.” He added that the government representatives requested more time to review figures, benchmarks, and other related issues before presenting a fresh proposal. Regarding the request of the government, he said, “They need to review the figures, yardsticks and other issues. We told them to do whatever they need to do, but not to come back with less than 40 per cent.”
The union leader expressed optimism that the process would be finished within the agreed timeframe. However, he issued a warning that the industrial action could be reinstated if the negotiations do not yield the desired results within the next fortnight. Ibrahim remarked, “The mandate from our members is clear, if nothing is concluded after two weeks, the strike will resume.”
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