The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has given the Federal Government an ultimatum to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement by the end of April 2026. Failure to meet this deadline may lead to an indefinite nationwide strike, the union warns.
SSANU's National President, Muhammad Ibrahim, issued the warning in a communiqué released in Abuja after the union's 54th National Executive Council meeting at Ekiti State University. The union expressed disappointment with the slow pace of the renegotiation process, citing the absence of clear timelines and commitments from the government.
The union has been pushing for the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, which has been stalled for years. SSANU is dissatisfied with the lack of progress and is now urging the government to reconvene discussions and conclude the process in a transparent, fair, and time-bound manner.
The union has also highlighted the issue of delayed salary payments and non-implementation of wage increments, which have intensified economic hardship among its members. SSANU is calling for the immediate settlement of outstanding salaries and the adoption of a unified salary payment system.
The union has given the government until April 30, 2026, to meet its demands. Failure to do so may lead to an indefinite strike, which would affect universities across the country.
The Federal Government's failure to conclude the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement by the end of April 2026 will have far-reaching consequences for Nigerian university staff. SSANU's threat of an indefinite strike is a direct result of the government's inaction, which has left thousands of workers without a clear timeline for wage increments and salary payments. The government must take immediate action to address these issues, including reconvening discussions with SSANU and adopting a unified salary payment system. The use of Remita, as recommended by SSANU, would ensure efficiency and transparency in salary payments. The consequences of inaction will be felt by everyday Nigerians, who will bear the brunt of the economic hardship caused by delayed salary payments and non-implementation of wage increments.
