Federal Government Urges SSANU and NASU to Halt Warning Strike
The warning strike was called by the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU due to the non-payment of four months' withheld salaries, a directive that stemmed from President Bola Tinubu's directive in October 2023.
AKACHI NOEL 
The Federal Government has made an appeal to the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) to suspend their planned seven-day warning strike.
Mrs. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, conveyed the appeal in a statement issued by Mr. Olajide Oshundun, the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry.
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The warning strike was called by the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU due to the non-payment of four months' withheld salaries, a directive that stemmed from President Bola Tinubu's directive in October 2023.
Expressing displeasure at the unions' action, Onyejeocha described it as a disregard for the Federal Government's efforts to address their concerns. She highlighted that the Ministry was not officially notified of the strike, contrary to the provisions of the Trade Dispute Act.
Efforts were made by the Ministry to arrange a meeting with the union leaders to avert the strike, but it was unsuccessful. The Minister emphasized that strikes should only be considered as a last resort after exhausting all conciliation efforts.
Onyejeocha urged SSANU and NASU to reconsider their stance and engage in conciliation with the federal government to find a resolution to the issue. She also called on all Nigerians to prioritize actions that benefit the country and its citizens.
The appeal comes amidst concerns about the impact of the strike on the educational sector and the welfare of university workers.
