The Federal Government has released funds to clear outstanding salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of Federal Universities and to settle benefits for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.
In a statement on Saturday, Director of Press and Public Relations, Bawa Mokwa, from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), confirmed that payments to NASU members had already commenced, with many members acknowledging receipt of funds.
The statement read: “The Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salaries of Non-Academic Staff Union members in Federal Universities.”
The OAGF also confirmed that funds were provided to cover benefits for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.
“The OAGF said payments to Non-Academic Staff of Federal Universities have commenced, and many members have confirmed receipt,” the statement noted.
The OAGF emphasized the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees, aiming to address long-standing issues related to their benefits.
This move comes amid an indefinite strike declared on Monday by the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU. The unions initiated the action in response to four months of withheld salaries, bringing university activities nationwide to a halt.
Earlier, SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim stated that top university officials, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, had also gone without pay for four months. He added that university operations would remain suspended until the government fulfills its payment obligations.
