The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has called on the Federal and State Governments to urgently implement the new minimum wage and settle outstanding wage arrears to ease the economic hardship faced by workers.
These demands are contained in a communique issued at the end of its 75th General Executive Council (GEC) meeting, held at Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Delta State.
The communique, which was signed by SSANIP National President, Comrade Philip Adebanjo Ogunsipe, and the National Secretary, Comrade Núra Shehu Gaya, addressed several critical issues affecting polytechnic education and the welfare of its workforce.
The union expressed disappointment over the delay in fully implementing the new minimum wage, which was signed into law but remains unfulfilled.
SSANIP warned that Nigerian workers are facing increasing financial hardship and called on the Federal Government to expedite action to prevent further economic distress.
SSANIP also demanded the immediate payment of outstanding wage awards (March–July 2024) and the arrears of the 25 percent/35 percent salary increase for staff of Federal Polytechnics.
It urged state governments that are yet to implement the wage increase to do so without further delay, warning that prolonged inaction could disrupt industrial harmony.
The union strongly opposed the ongoing conversion of polytechnics into universities, stating that such actions threaten Nigeria’s technological development.
SSANIP argued that prioritising technological education is essential for national progress and called on lawmakers and policymakers to preserve polytechnics while increasing funding for technical education.
Commending the Federal Government for improvements in national security, SSANIP urged continued efforts to ensure the safety of all Nigerians. The union also backed the proposed ban on overloading petroleum tankers, emphasising the need to prevent accidents and loss of lives due to excessive fuel transportation.
SSANIP applauded Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, for upgrading the State College of Health Sciences to a Polytechnic, calling it a progressive move towards advancing technological education in Nigeria.
The union warned of potential industrial action if the government fails to address its demands and reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for better welfare and policies that support polytechnic education.
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