The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities has resumed negotiations with the Federal Government following the suspension of its indefinite strike.
JAC comprises the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
The unions had embarked on an indefinite strike on April 30 over delays in the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, improved welfare conditions, payment of allowances, and rejection of the government’s unilateral salary offer.
The strike was suspended on May 11 after appeals and assurances from the Federal Government’s Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee.
SSANU National President, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, who also chairs JAC, confirmed the resumption of talks in an interview with reporters on Monday in Abuja.
He said negotiations resumed at the National Universities Commission (NUC) headquarters in Abuja.
“We have resumed discussions today and expect to conclude the process, including the signing of agreements, within two weeks,” Ibrahim said.
The unions are demanding a minimum 40 per cent salary increase. They rejected the Federal Government’s 30 per cent offer, which has since been withdrawn.
“Government representatives requested time to review figures and other issues. We told them not to come back with less than 40 per cent,” he added.
Ibrahim expressed optimism that the renegotiation would be concluded within the agreed timeframe. However, he warned that the unions would resume the suspended strike if no agreement is reached after two weeks.
“The mandate from our members is clear — if nothing is concluded after two weeks, the strike will resume,” he said.
