Lagos, Nigeria – October 1, 2023 – The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has declared its intention to participate in the nationwide strike initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). This announcement follows the NLC and TUC’s declaration of an indefinite strike action beginning on October 3, 2023, to protest the government’s handling of the fuel subsidy removal.
In a communique issued at the conclusion of its 45th regular National Executive Council meeting, held at the University of Maiduguri, Borno State, SSANU expressed its support for the strike. The communique was made available to Findwhosabi on Sunday.
The statement, signed by SSANU’s national president, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, outlined the reasons for their participation in the strike, citing the government’s perceived insensitivity to the economic challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies. The statement read, “NEC in session after due deliberations agreed that SSANU as an affiliate of the NLC, will join the strike to protest the insensitivity of the government in providing palliatives to cushion the effects of removal of fuel subsidy. NEC, therefore, mandated all branches to mobilize their members to join the strike as declared, as the demands before the government also include the release of withheld salaries of university workers.”
Additionally, SSANU expressed concerns about a report from an ad hoc Committee of Pro-Chancellors of state-owned universities, which recommended that state universities should not participate in nationwide industrial actions. SSANU vehemently opposed this recommendation, asserting that the union is indivisible and calling on state governors and pro-chancellors to abandon the clause. They argued that any attempt to divide the union would go against the principles of freedom of association as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution and labor laws.
Furthermore, SSANU demanded the immediate payment of its withheld four months’ salaries, which occurred during a previous nationwide strike. They emphasized that their compliance with legal provisions and the government’s failure to honor agreements led to the strike action.
SSANU also recalled the salary renegotiations conducted by the late Professor Nimi Briggs-led committee and called for the implementation of the 23 percent and 35 percent salary reviews that were approved. The union’s demands encompass a range of issues, including salary increases and financial restitution for their members.
As SSANU joins the nationwide strike, the government will face increased pressure from labor unions, potentially impacting various sectors of the economy and public services.