The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-teaching staff unions in Nigerian universities has resumed negotiations with the Federal Government following the suspension of its indefinite strike action.
The committee comprises the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions.
The unions had embarked on an indefinite strike on April 30 over delays in the renegotiation of agreements with the Federal Government, including concerns over salaries, welfare packages, and allowances.
However, the strike was suspended on May 11 after appeals and assurances from the Federal Government Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee.
Speaking in a telephone interview in Abuja, Mohammed Ibrahim confirmed that negotiations resumed on Monday at the headquarters of the National Universities Commission.
According to Ibrahim, who also serves as chairman of the Joint Action Committee, both parties agreed to conclude discussions and sign the final agreement within two weeks.
“We have resumed discussions today and expect to conclude the process, including signing of agreements, within two weeks,” he stated.
The unions are demanding the completion of the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement, improved welfare conditions, payment of allowances, and the rejection of what they described as unilateral salary offers from the government.
Ibrahim disclosed that the unions are insisting on a minimum 40 per cent salary increase, rejecting the Federal Government’s earlier 30 per cent proposal.
“We rejected the government’s 30 per cent offer, and it has been withdrawn. Our demand remains a minimum of 40 per cent,” he said.
He explained that government representatives requested additional time to review financial figures and related issues before presenting a fresh offer.
Despite ongoing discussions, Ibrahim warned that the unions could resume the suspended strike if negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory outcome within the agreed two-week period.
