The Federal Government has released eight months of withheld salary arrears owed to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), averting a threatened disruption of academic activities across Nigerian universities.
The payment followed a 14-day ultimatum issued by the union over the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU Agreement and outstanding salary-related payments. SSANU had demanded the immediate release of funds and payment of outstanding Consolidated University Teaching and Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTTA) arrears calculated from January 1, 2026.
The demands were contained in a communiqué issued after the union’s 56th National Executive Council meeting at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. SSANU warned that failure to meet its demands within 14 days would lead to a “total, comprehensive and indefinite strike action” without further notice.
The union’s demands also included the payment of two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, as well as one-year arrears arising from the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases. However, less than 48 hours after the ultimatum became public, the Federal Government released the eight months of outstanding arrears.
SSANU President, Mohammed Haruna Ibrahim, confirmed the development and said affected workers would soon begin receiving payment alerts. He described the release as evidence that constructive engagement and prompt government action could help preserve industrial harmony and protect workers’ welfare.
Ibrahim advised SSANU members across various university branches to liaise with their respective university managements to ensure the money is paid promptly and accurately. He also urged members to report any shortfalls after the payment process is completed.
