The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is calling for the immediate payment of withheld salaries for the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU). NLC President Joe Ajaero emphasized the importance of paying the four months’ outstanding salaries to prevent disruptions in the academic sector.

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of NASU and SSANU had previously issued a circular for a seven-day warning strike starting from March 18 due to the non-payment of salaries approved by President Bola Tinubu. The withheld salaries stem from a nationwide strike by all unions in public universities, with ASUU receiving full payment while NASU and SSANU were allegedly denied full payment without a credible explanation.

Ajaero criticized the government for subjecting union members to discriminatory treatment, causing undue hardship. He warned that such actions could lead to avoidable industrial disputes with significant repercussions for students and parents. The NLC President urged the government to promptly settle the outstanding salaries to avoid further escalation.

It is crucial for the government to recognize the maturity of these unions and prioritize resolving the salary issues to maintain stability in the academic sector. The NLC’s call for immediate action highlights the importance of fair treatment and timely payment for all workers in the education sector.