FG Urges SSANU and NASU to Halt Warning Strike

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

The Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Rt. Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, has appealed to the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) to suspend their ongoing 7-day warning strike, which commenced on Monday.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the unions’ actions, the Minister emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing their concerns and labeled the strike as a disregard for government efforts.

In a statement by Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations, Hon. Onyejeocha highlighted that the Ministry was not formally notified of the strike, contrary to the Trade Dispute Act. Despite efforts to arrange a conciliation meeting, the unions rejected the proposed date, prompting the Minister’s appeal for dialogue.

She urged SSANU and NASU to reconsider their stance and engage in conciliation discussions with the government, emphasizing that strikes should be a last resort after exhausting all other avenues.