FG bows to pressure as it releases university workers’ arrears

The Federal Government has released funds covering eight months of salary arrears for members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities following the union’s threat to embark on an indefinite strike.

SSANU President Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim confirmed the release, saying members would soon begin receiving payments. However, the union said other outstanding entitlements remained unpaid. The release came less than 48 hours after SSANU announced a 14-day ultimatum over implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement.

In a communiqué issued after its 56th National Executive Council meeting at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the union demanded full payment of outstanding Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure arrears dating from January 1, 2026. It warned that failure to meet its demands would lead to a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action” without further notice.

The ultimatum also covered two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action and one year of arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases. Ibrahim welcomed the release of the eight months’ arrears, saying prompt government action following constructive engagement could safeguard industrial harmony and workers’ welfare.

The union commended Education Minister Tunji Alausa for intervening and fulfilling his promise to facilitate the release of the funds. Before the ultimatum, Alausa reportedly contacted Ibrahim to confirm that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation were processing the payments.

Ibrahim advised SSANU branches to work with their university managements to ensure prompt and proper disbursement and report any shortfalls. Despite welcoming the payment, SSANU urged the government to settle the remaining two months’ withheld salaries and the one-year arrears from the salary increases, describing them as legitimate entitlements.

The union’s National Executive Council also called on state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure full and adequately funded implementation of the agreement. It warned that selective or delayed implementation could provoke further unrest. SSANU reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and industrial peace but said it would use all lawful and constitutional means to protect members’ rights and welfare where agreements were not honoured.