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The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Nigerian government to meet the demands of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) or face a nationwide shutdown by labour unions.
NLC President Joe Ajaero announced this in Abuja on Monday after a meeting with leaders of unions based in tertiary institutions.
He explained that the four-week period would allow the government to resolve all outstanding matters, including the long-standing 2009 agreement with ASUU.
Speaking at a press conference at the Labour House, alongside national leaders of the educational unions, Ajaero stated that the NLC would embark on an indefinite strike if the government failed to meet their demands.
He stressed that the proposed strike would be an act of solidarity with educational unions, adding that labour was ready to end all industrial actions if the government demonstrated sincerity.
However, he warned that continued neglect of workers’ concerns would compel the unions to shut down the country.
ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, had earlier declared a two-week “total and comprehensive” strike after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum on September 28.
The union cited unresolved issues concerning staff welfare, infrastructure, the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, and unpaid salaries.
In response, the Nigerian government criticised the strike, insisting that it was addressing ASUU’s concerns.
It subsequently ordered universities to enforce a “No Work, No Pay” policy, directing vice-chancellors to carry out headcounts of academic staff and submit attendance reports.
