FG Has Released Our Eight-Month Salary Arrears : SSANU Suspends Strike Threat

The Federal Government has released eight months’ salary arrears owed members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), a move that has effectively averted a looming nationwide strike in Nigeria’s public universities.

SSANU President, Mohammed Ibrahim, disclosed the development on Wednesday in Abuja, describing it as a major breakthrough in the union’s ongoing engagement with the government over outstanding workers’ entitlements.

The payment comes days after the union issued a 14-day ultimatum demanding the immediate settlement of arrears arising from the implementation of the 2026 Federal Government–SSANU Agreement.

The union had warned that failure to address its demands within the stipulated period would leave it with no option but to embark on a total and indefinite strike across universities.

Confirming the release of the funds, Ibrahim praised the Federal Government for acting swiftly and preventing what could have triggered another round of industrial disruption in the nation’s tertiary education sector.

He also commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for what he described as a proactive intervention that helped facilitate the payment of the outstanding arrears.

According to the SSANU president, the development highlights the benefits of dialogue and constructive engagement between government and labour unions.

“This is a demonstration that constructive engagement, when matched with prompt action, can protect industrial harmony and workers’ welfare,” Ibrahim said.

He urged SSANU members across the country to work closely with their respective university managements to ensure that the released funds are paid promptly and correctly to eligible workers.

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Ibrahim also directed members to immediately report any discrepancies, deductions or irregularities discovered during the payment process so that the union could take appropriate action.

While welcoming the release of the eight-month arrears, the union leader stressed that several outstanding issues still require government attention.

He noted that SSANU members were yet to receive two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, as well as arrears linked to the implementation of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.

“These are legitimate entitlements of our members and should not be subjected to further delay,” he said.

Ibrahim further called on the Federal Government to maintain the same level of commitment in implementing agreements reached with university-based unions, warning that delays in fulfilling obligations often fuel industrial disputes.

He also appealed to state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure that agreements entered into with workers are fully funded and implemented.

According to him, selective implementation or prolonged delays in meeting obligations could create fresh tensions within the university system and threaten the industrial peace currently being enjoyed.

The SSANU president reaffirmed the union’s commitment to dialogue and peaceful engagement but maintained that it would continue to defend the rights and welfare of its members through lawful means whenever necessary.