The Federal Government has commenced payments to settle outstanding salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU) and to cover pension benefits for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.
This development was disclosed in a statement by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), who confirmed on Saturday that payments to NASU members have begun, with many beneficiaries already confirming receipt of funds.
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“The Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salary of Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities,” the statement read, emphasizing the government’s action in addressing overdue salary obligations.
In addition to these payments, the OAGF noted that funds have also been released for the pension benefits of retirees in the Contributory Pension Scheme. According to the office, these actions are part of the government’s broader commitment to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees.
The delayed salaries led the Joint Action Committee of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and NASU to initiate an indefinite strike last Monday, citing four months of unpaid wages. The action has left universities nationwide with severely limited operations.
Earlier this week, SSANU’s National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, revealed that even university executives, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, had gone months without pay.
“As a result, the universities would remain completely shut down until the payments were made,” Ibrahim stated, underscoring the union’s resolve to keep campuses closed until all back payments are settled.
