Breaking: Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union Begin Indefinite Strike May 1 Over Unresolved 2009 Agreement
The Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions has directed its members to commence an indefinite nationwide strike from Friday, May 1, 2026.
The decision follows a breakdown in negotiations between the unions and the Federal Government over the long-running 2009 renegotiation agreement. Talks held on April 29 ended without resolution, prompting the unions to proceed with industrial action.
In a circular dated April 30 and addressed to branch leaders, SSANU President and JAC Chairman, Mohammed Ibrahim, alongside NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, confirmed that the strike would be total and fully enforced across universities and inter-university centres.
The unions expressed concern over the government’s withdrawal of an earlier 30 per cent salary increase proposal without presenting a replacement offer, noting that the move failed to address the core issues in dispute.
According to the circular, the pace of the renegotiation process remains unsatisfactory, and key demands have not been met despite prior engagements.
The unions had earlier issued an April 30 deadline for the government to conclude negotiations, warning that failure to do so would result in a withdrawal of services.
With the directive now in effect, academic activities in universities nationwide are expected to be significantly disrupted as non-academic staff begin an indefinite strike.
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