The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal 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 in the tertiary education sector.
According to Ajaero, the four-week window is to allow the government resolve all outstanding issues, including the implementation of the 2009 ASUU-Federal Government agreement.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Labour House with leaders of educational unions in attendance, Ajaero warned that the NLC would embark on an indefinite strike if the government fails to meet their demands within the period.
He stressed that the planned action would be in solidarity with the education unions, adding that if the government demonstrates sincerity, all ongoing industrial actions could be resolved swiftly.
However, Ajaero cautioned that if the government continues to “take labour for granted,” the unions will have no option but to shut down the country.
ASUU had earlier declared a two-week “total and comprehensive” strike following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the government on September 28. The union accused the government of failing to address issues related to staff welfare, infrastructure, implementation of the 2009 agreement, and unpaid salaries.
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In response, the Federal Government described the strike as unnecessary, insisting that efforts were underway to resolve the issues. It also directed universities to enforce the “No Work, No Pay” policy.
The Ministry of Education, in a circular, instructed vice-chancellors to conduct roll calls and physical headcounts of academic staff, and submit reports showing those present on duty during the strike.
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