BREAKING: FG Releases 8 Months’ Salary Arrears After SSANU Ultimatum

The federal government has released eight months’ salary arrears owed members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).

LEADERSHIP reports that this is coming less than 48 hours after the union threatened to embark on an indefinite strike over the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU agreement.

SSANU president, Comrade Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim which confirmed the payment on Wednesday, commended the minister of education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, for his intervention, saying the development had averted an imminent disruption in the nation’s universities.

The union had, after its 56th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government to release the funds and settle outstanding Consolidated University Non-Academic Salary Structure (CONTISS) arrears from January 1, 2026.

It warned that failure to meet the demand would trigger a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action” without further notice.

The ultimatum also covered two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action and one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.

Ibrahim said the development showed that constructive engagement could preserve industrial harmony and protect workers’ welfare.

He commended Alausa for his proactive intervention and for keeping his promise to facilitate the release of the funds.

Mohammed urged SSANU members to liaise with their university managements to ensure prompt and judicious payment, and to report any shortfall to the union.

According to the union, Alausa had contacted its national president before the ultimatum was issued to confirm that the ministry of finance and the office of the Accountant-General of the Federation were processing the funds.

SSANU, however, said the payment did not resolve all outstanding obligations, insisting that the federal government must still settle the two months’ withheld salaries and the one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.

The union also urged state governments and governing councils of state-owned universities to ensure full and properly funded implementation of the agreement, warning that selective or delayed implementation could trigger further unrest in the university system.

While welcoming the payment, SSANU reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and industrial peace, but said it would deploy all lawful means to protect the rights and welfare of its members where agreements were not faithfully implemented.