The Federal Government has taken a significant step towards addressing the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees by releasing funds to settle outstanding salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of Federal Universities ¹ ² ³ ⁴. According to Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), payments to NASU members have commenced, with many confirming receipt.
This development comes after the Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and NASU embarked on an indefinite strike on Monday, protesting four months of withheld salaries ¹ ². The strike has severely disrupted university operations across the nation.
The OAGF statement highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees, reaffirming its dedication to ensuring their well-being ¹ ². The release of funds for NASU salaries and retirees’ benefits under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme is a critical step towards resolving the ongoing strike.
The National President of SSANU, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, had earlier emphasized that university closures would persist until the withheld salaries were disbursed ¹ ². Top university officials, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, were among those affected by the pay freeze.
The Federal Government’s move to address the salary arrears and retirees’ benefits is expected to alleviate the suffering of affected workers and retirees ¹ ². This development may also pave the way for the resolution of the ongoing strike and the reopening of universities.
In addition to settling outstanding salaries, the Federal Government has also released funds for payment of benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme ¹ ². This move demonstrates the government’s commitment to ensuring the welfare of retirees.
The release of funds for NASU salaries and retirees’ benefits is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address labor concerns in Nigeria’s education sector ¹ ². As the payments commence, affected workers and retirees can expect relief after months of uncertainty.
