SSANU Threatens Nationwide Strike Over Withheld Salaries, Unfair Allowance Allocation

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate payment of two months’ withheld salaries owed to its members who participated in the 2022 industrial action. This call came at the conclusion of the union’s 51st National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, held at the Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil, Kano State.

In a statement signed by SSANU’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, the union also condemned the continued delay in salary disbursements to federal university workers, which they said often comes weeks after other federal employees have received their pay. “Universities should not be left behind in the salary cycle. The persistent delay in payment has become intolerable,” the NEC stated, adding that harmonisation of salaries across all federal and state institutions was necessary to ensure equity and fairness in the system.

The union also expressed deep dissatisfaction with the Federal Government’s silence over the renegotiation of the 2009 FG/SSANU Agreement, which it said has remained unresolved for more than a decade. “The prolonged delay in commencing substantive discussions is unacceptable. We demand immediate resumption and conclusion of the renegotiation process to avert an industrial crisis in the university system,” the union warned.

Another point of contention raised by SSANU was the recent disbursement of ₦50 billion in earned allowances, from which only ₦10 billion—representing 20%—was allocated to the three non-teaching staff unions: SSANU, NASU, and NAAT. The union described the allocation as “unjust, discriminatory, and a failure to acknowledge the indispensable role SSANU members play in the effective functioning of Nigerian universities.” It argued that the sharing formula violated the 2022 Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Joint Action Committee and accused the government of a consistent pattern of disregarding MoUs, Memoranda of Action, and other collectively bargained agreements.

“These agreements, having been reached through structured dialogue and mutual consent, are binding and must be honoured in full,” the statement read. “If this pattern of neglect continues, the union will be left with no choice but to explore all lawful and appropriate avenues to compel compliance.”

SSANU also expressed grave concern over the worsening state of security in the country. The NEC cited ongoing violence in Benue, Plateau, and other parts of Nigeria, where mass killings continue to occur. It called on the Federal Government to declare a national emergency on security and urged investments in modern security infrastructure, intelligence gathering, and professionalism among security agencies. The union also called for long-term strategies aimed at tackling the root causes of violence, including poverty, unemployment, and social injustice, through youth empowerment and inclusive economic policies.

On the economy, the union criticised recent economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the naira exchange rate, saying these measures have worsened the hardships faced by Nigerian workers. It highlighted the rising cost of living, inflation, and declining purchasing power, especially among low-income earners and vulnerable populations. SSANU called for immediate social protection programs such as conditional cash transfers, food subsidies, and fuel vouchers to mitigate the impact of the reforms.

“NEC calls on the Federal Government to demonstrate sincerity, commitment, and responsiveness in addressing our demands,” the communique concluded. “SSANU reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the promotion of equity, professionalism, and good governance within the Nigerian university system and the broader national landscape. The union remains resolute in its duty to protect the welfare, rights, and dignity of its members across the country.”