The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, has suspended its two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government following the release of eight months’ CONTTA arrears owed its members.
This is contained in a notification letter addressed to members and signed by SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, on Sunday in Abuja.
Mr Ibrahim said the union’s National Administrative Committee, NAC, acting on behalf of its National Executive Council, NEC, approved the suspension in recognition of the government’s action.
The ultimatum, which commenced on Oct. 5, was issued over outstanding entitlements, while the Federal Government approved and released funds for eight months’ arrears on Oct. 7.
“Following the Federal Government’s prompt release of eight months’ arrears of CONTTA owed our members, the NAC has resolved to suspend the intended industrial action.
“In recognition of this positive development, mutual understanding and good faith, the union has decided to suspend the ultimatum.
“This decision reflects our commitment to constructive engagement, peaceful dialogue and the maintenance of cordial relations with the Government, particularly in the interest of industrial harmony in our universities,” Ibrahim said.
He urged the Federal Government to address other outstanding demands affecting SSANU members in federal and state universities.
“These include one-year arrears of the 25 and 35 per cent salary awards approved in 2023 and two months’ withheld salaries from 2022.”
Mr Ibrahim also urged state governments yet to implement the 2026 agreement signed with the union to fulfil their obligations and pay outstanding arrears.
He said SSANU remained committed to dialogue but expected the government to demonstrate goodwill by taking concrete steps to resolve all outstanding issues.
The president urged NEC members to communicate the decision and sustain engagement with relevant stakeholders to preserve industrial harmony in universities.
He reaffirmed the union’s commitment to protecting members’ welfare and legitimate interests through constructive engagement with the relevant authorities.
NAN