SSANU gives FG 14 days to pay salary arrears, threatens indefinite strike

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has given the Federal Government 14 days to pay outstanding salary arrears, warning that it will begin an indefinite strike if the demand is not met.

The union says the unpaid sums arise from the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU agreement. Its president, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the strike would begin without further notice if the government failed to act within the deadline.

Ibrahim announced the decision in Abuja after the union’s 56th National Executive Council meeting. Daily Trust and Punch reported that the meeting was held at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, from September 30 to October 1, and that the communique was issued on Monday.

The council demanded payment of arrears under the agreement’s salary structure from its January 1, 2026 effective date. Ibrahim said some universities had begun implementing the structure largely with their own funds, without direct financial backing from the Federal Government.

He urged vice-chancellors and governing councils that had not implemented the agreement to follow institutions already doing so. He also called on state governments to fund full implementation in state-owned universities.

The union’s demands include two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action and one-year arrears from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases, according to the communique reported by Daily Trust and Punch.

Ibrahim said the delays had increased members’ financial hardship. Daily Post reported that he directed branches and zones to monitor implementation, keep accurate membership records, document non-compliance or victimisation and send reports to the National Secretariat.

The council also called for greater investment in electricity, laboratories, workshops, libraries, ICT facilities, security and infrastructure maintenance. It rejected virtual accreditation as a replacement for physical inspection.

Sources: Daily Trust, Daily Post, Punch