Eid-el-Fitr: SSANU, NASU urge Tinubu to fast-track renegotiation

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently conclude the long-standing renegotiation of agreements with university workers, warning that delays are worsening economic hardship across the sector.

The appeal was contained in an Eid-el-Fitr message signed by Comrade M. H. Ibrahim, Chairman of JAC (SSANU/NASU), who used the occasion to congratulate Muslim faithful while drawing attention to the mounting burden faced by workers amid rising inflation and cost of living pressures.

“Across our universities and communities, our members continue to show remarkable resilience and dedication in the face of mounting economic pressures,” Ibrahim stated, noting that “the rising cost of living, driven by persistent inflation, has placed a heavy strain on workers and their families, with many doing more with far less.”

The unions stressed that while workers have remained committed to sustaining the nation’s tertiary institutions, the Federal Government must reciprocate with decisive action. “We therefore call on the Federal Government to urgently hasten the conclusion of the ongoing renegotiation process with SSANU/NASU, in a manner that reflects sincerity, fairness, and a clear recognition of the central role university workers play in national development,” the statement read.

JAC warned that continued delays in concluding the renegotiation process risk deepening uncertainty within the university system and eroding workers’ confidence in government commitments. It added that meaningful engagement and timely resolution are critical to maintaining industrial harmony.

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The message further urged governments at all levels to implement practical measures to cushion the impact of economic hardship on Nigerian workers. According to the statement, “policies must translate into real relief through improved welfare, wage adjustments, and economic measures that restore dignity to labour.”

While extending warm Eid greetings to members, the wider Muslim Ummah, and Nigerians at large, the unions emphasised the significance of the season as a time for reflection, sacrifice, and collective responsibility, especially in the face of national challenges.

The statement also conveyed condolences to victims of recent violent attacks in Maiduguri, describing the incidents as painful reminders of the urgent need to safeguard lives and strengthen national security.

“As we celebrate, I encourage all members to remain steadfast, hopeful, and committed to the ideals we represent. Better days must not only be hoped for; they must be pursued with clarity, courage, and purpose,” Ibrahim added.

The unions reaffirmed their commitment to unity, discipline and advocacy for improved welfare, insisting that the stability of Nigeria’s universities and broader national development depend largely on how well workers are valued and supported.