The National Association of University Staff (NASU) has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the payment of four months’ withheld salaries within the next two weeks, warning of a potential shutdown if the demand is not met. The call was made by the National President of NASU during an emergency meeting of NASU branch chairmen and Inter-University Centres in Abuja.
NASU emphasized that the payment was essential for maintaining industrial harmony in the sector, highlighting that other unions had already received their withheld salaries in accordance with a directive from President Tinubu. The union had previously gone on strike, and during negotiations, an agreement was reached in a Memorandum of Action (MoA), assuring no victimization of the members.
The National President appealed to government agencies to honor the agreement and ensure the payment of the four months’ arrears to avoid any disruptions in industrial peace and harmony. NASU expressed concern that its members were yet to receive their withheld salaries, while some other unions had been fully compensated.
The General Secretary of NASU, Peters Adeyemi, raised questions about the delay, noting that the office of the Chief of Staff had reportedly approved payment to another union. Adeyemi emphasized that NASU members deserved prompt payment, given the agreement with the government that included a no-victimization clause.
While acknowledging the challenges faced by the government, NASU urged President Tinubu to issue a directive for the immediate payment of the outstanding salaries. The union warned that if the salaries were not paid within one or two weeks, they would be compelled to shut down operations.
