The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has initiated a 7-day warning strike in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). SSANU members at the University of Abuja blocked the university's gate entrance on Monday as part of the strike.
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and SSANU directed members to start the 7-day warning strike on Monday. This action is expected to cause a complete blackout in universities, with water treatment plants and clinics being shut down. Additionally, individuals involved in proposed matriculations at some universities are advised to refrain from any activities.
President Bola Tinubu recently ordered that university workers who were on a prolonged strike in 2022 and had their salaries stopped by Muhammadu Buhari's administration, following the "No work, no pay" policy, should be paid four months of withheld salaries. While members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) have been paid, non-teaching staff comprising SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) have not received any payment.
Expressing their discontent, SSANU and NASU, through JAC, issued an ultimatum to the government, which expired without any action. The two unions subsequently gave a 7-day warning strike notice to commence on March 18 if the government failed to address their demands. Despite multiple notices to relevant government officials, there have been no positive outcomes.
