The Joint Action Committee of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities has resumed negotiations with the Federal Government following the suspension of its nationwide strike.
The committee, which consists of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, confirmed that discussions restarted on Monday at the National Universities Commission headquarters in Abuja.
The unions had embarked on an indefinite strike on April 30 over delays in renegotiating agreements with the Federal Government. However, the industrial action was suspended on May 11 after assurances from the Federal Government Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee.
The unions are demanding the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, improved welfare packages, payment of allowances, and the withdrawal of what they described as unilateral salary proposals by the government.
Speaking in a telephone interview, SSANU National President and JAC Chairman, Mohammed Ibrahim, said both parties were working towards concluding negotiations within two weeks.
“We resumed discussions today and expect to complete the process, including the signing of agreements, within two weeks. The timeline begins from the day the strike was suspended,” he said.
Ibrahim disclosed that the unions were insisting on a minimum salary increase of 40 per cent, rejecting the Federal Government’s earlier 30 per cent proposal.
“We rejected the government’s 30 per cent offer and it has been withdrawn. Our position remains a minimum of 40 per cent,” he stated.
According to him, government representatives requested additional time to review figures, benchmarks, and other related issues before presenting a fresh offer.
“They said they needed to review the figures and other parameters. We told them to do what is necessary, but they should not return with anything below 40 per cent,” he added.
The SSANU president expressed optimism that the renegotiation process would be concluded within the agreed timeframe but warned that the unions could resume the suspended strike if talks fail.
“The directive from our members is clear — if nothing is achieved after two weeks, the strike will resume,” Ibrahim warned.
