ABUJA – The Joint Action Committee (JAC), representing the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), officially resumed negotiations with the Federal Government on Monday following the suspension of their nationwide industrial action.
The unions, which began an indefinite strike on April 30, 2026, over stalled renegotiations of a 2009 agreement and poor welfare, returned to the table at the National Universities Commission (NUC) headquarters in Abuja. The resumption comes after a “passionate appeal” from the government’s Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee, led by former Head of Civil Service, Yayale Ahmed.
The 40 Per Cent Ultimatum
Speaking to journalists via telephone, SSANU National President and JAC Chairman, Mohammed Ibrahim, confirmed that the unions have set a hard line for the new discussions. Ibrahim revealed that the unions had flatly rejected the government’s previous 30 per cent salary increase offer.
”We rejected the government’s 30 per cent offer, and it has been withdrawn. Our demand remains a minimum of 40 per cent,” Ibrahim stated.
He added that the government team requested additional time to review financial benchmarks and “yardsticks” before presenting a revised proposal. However, the unions have warned that they will not accept any figure below the 40 per cent threshold.
A Two-Week Window
The suspension of the strike is strictly conditional. According to the agreement reached between the JAC and federal negotiators, all processes—including the signing of formal documents—must be concluded within 14 days.
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- Timeline: The two-week window commenced on Monday, May 11, 2026.
- Warning: Failure to finalize the agreement within this period will result in an immediate resumption of the indefinite strike.
- Key Demands: Conclusion of the 2009 agreement renegotiation, payment of outstanding allowances, and improved welfare packages.
Campus Impact
The strike, which lasted nearly two weeks, significantly paralyzed administrative and technical services across federal and state universities. While the suspension offers temporary relief for students and the academic community, the looming deadline keeps the sector on edge.
The unions maintained that the suspension is a gesture of good faith to allow the government to prove its commitment to the university system’s stability. Government representatives are expected to return with a fresh proposal following consultations with President Bola Tinubu regarding the financial implications of the unions’ demands.