The federal government has released funds to address outstanding salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU) and to pay benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), confirmed that payments to NASU members have begun, with many already reporting receipt of their funds.
The statement read, “The Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salaries of Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities. According to the OAGF, the Federal Government has also released funds for payment of benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector.
The OAGF stated that payments to the Non-Academic Staff of Federal Universities had commenced and many have confirmed receipt.” The OAGF reiterated the federal government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees.
This announcement comes after the Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and NASU initiated an indefinite strike on Monday due to four months of withheld salaries. Consequently, university activities have been halted nationwide.
In a previous statement, the National President of SSANU, Mohammed Ibrahim, stated that university executives, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, have not received salaries for four months. He indicated that universities would remain completely shut down until the payments are processed.
