The joint action committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of educational and associated institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has announced plans to commence an indefinite nationwide strike from May 1.
In a letter dated April 30, and signed by Peters Adeyemi, NASU general secretary, and Mohammed Ibrahim, SSANU president, the unions said the industrial action will begin at midnight.
The letter was addressed to Tunji Alausa, minister of education.
The unions said the decision followed the failure of the federal government to conclude ongoing renegotiations and present a fresh offer on allowances.
The JAC acknowledged the withdrawal of a previous circular on a 30 percent increase in the consolidated non-teaching tools allowance but said it did not address the core issues in the dispute.
“While the letter on the withdrawal of the consolidated non-teaching tools allowance is acknowledged, no new offer has been made to supersede the 30 percent allowances contained in the withdrawn letter,” the letter reads.
According to the unions, the pace of negotiations had been slow and failed to meet their expectations.
“The consensus outcome of the consultation is that our demand vis-à-vis the slow pace of the renegotiation process has not been met,” they said.
The unions said members had earlier mandated their leadership to take action if negotiations were not concluded by April 30.
“With the agreement not concluded as of April 30, 2026, and with no new offer, the strike action shall commence by 12:00 am on May 1, 2026,” they said.
They described the strike as inevitable, accusing the government of failing to avert the crisis through meaningful engagement.
“As a result of the failure of the government to avert the strike by positively acceding to our demands, all members will commence total and comprehensive strike action from Friday, May 1, 2026,” the unions added.
