NLC Gives FG Four Weeks to Resolve ASUU Dispute or Face Nationwide Strike

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a four-week ultimatum to resolve its ongoing industrial dispute with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other university unions, or face a nationwide strike.

Speaking after the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the congress is determined to end the recurring crises in the nation’s education sector.

> “We have decided to give the Federal Government four weeks to conclude all negotiations in this sector,” Ajaero said. “If after four weeks nothing is done, the organs of the NLC will meet to take decisive nationwide action that will involve all workers.”


He explained that the government’s engagement must go beyond ASUU, as other university-based unions, including the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), are equally affected by unresolved issues.

Ajaero disclosed that the NLC has created a framework for implementing the long-standing 2009 agreement to ensure sustainable funding and stability in the tertiary education system.

> “We are working with all unions in the sector to find lasting solutions to the problems that have persisted for years,” he added.


The unions have been locked in a prolonged dispute with the Federal Government over the non-implementation of previous agreements, including the disbursement of a ₦50 billion earned allowance which they allege was unfairly shared among teaching and non-teaching staff. Another unresolved issue involves the withheld two months’ salaries of NASU, SSANU, and NAAT members following an earlier strike.

Ajaero criticised the Federal Government for sending officials without negotiation mandates to represent it in talks, describing the practice as a major cause of failed agreements.

> “Henceforth, we will not meet with government representatives who lack authority to make binding commitments,” he warned. “Agreements are sacrosanct and must be respected.”


He also condemned the government’s “no work, no pay” policy, accusing it of hypocrisy.

> “You cannot instigate an action and then punish those who respond,” Ajaero said. “Most strike actions in Nigeria are caused by government’s failure to honour agreements. The party that causes the problem should bear the consequences.”


The NLC reaffirmed its readiness to mobilise all affiliate unions if the Federal Government fails to address the grievances within the four-week window, signalling a potential nationwide shutdown of key sectors.