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The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has suspended its planned industrial action following the Federal Government’s release of eight months’ arrears owed to its members.
The union said the decision followed the payment of the arrears of the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Teaching and Non-Teaching Allowance (CONTTA) for the period of January to August 2026.
In a notice over the weekend, SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the National Administrative Committee (NAC), acting on behalf of the National Executive Council (NEC), resolved to suspend the two-week ultimatum issued to the Federal Government.
The ultimatum, which commenced on October 5, 2026, was suspended following the approval and release of the arrears on October 7.
The union said the decision was taken in recognition of the government’s response, as well as its commitment to constructive engagement, peaceful dialogue and the maintenance of industrial harmony in the nation’s universities.
However, SSANU urged the Federal Government to address other outstanding demands, including the payment of one year’s arrears of the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary awards introduced in 2023.
It also called for the payment of two months’ withheld salaries from 2022.
The union further appealed to state governments yet to implement the 2026 agreement to do so and settle other outstanding arrears owed to members in state-owned universities.
SSANU said it remained committed to dialogue but expected the Federal Government and state governments to demonstrate similar goodwill by taking concrete steps to resolve the outstanding issues affecting its members.
The union urged members of its National Executive Council to communicate the decision to their respective branches, while encouraging continued engagement with relevant stakeholders to sustain industrial peace in the university system.
It said: “While acknowledging this development, the Union urges the Federal Government to reciprocate this gesture by fulfilling all other outstanding demands which includes the release and payment of the one year arrears of the 25% & 35% salary award of 2023 and the two months of the 2022 withheld salaries and also to State Governments who are yet to Implement the 2026 signed agreement and pay other outstanding arrears to our members in State Universities
“The Union remains committed to dialogue but expects the Government to demonstrate the same level of goodwill by taking concrete steps towards resolving all outstanding issues affecting our members across the Federal and State Universities.
“All NEC members are hereby notified of this decision and are encouraged to communicate the position of the NAC accordingly. We must continue to engage constructively with relevant stakeholders to preserve the peace in our citadels of learning while remaining steadfast in the pursuit of the welfare and legitimate interests of our members.”
