Staff members at Federal Tertiary Institutions (FTIs) across Nigeria are expressing dissatisfaction over the government’s delay in paying the 25% and 35% salary increase arrears approved in 2023. The arrears, covering 12 months have yet to be disbursed, despite repeated assurances.
Academic unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), and Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), have been relatively silent on the matter, raising concerns among their members.
While ASUU, NASU, and SSANU have demanded the release of withheld salaries, the backlog of 2023 arrears has not been prioritized. This omission has left many FTI employees, already struggling with economic hardships, feeling abandoned by their unions.
“It’s troubling that our unions seem to focus on withheld salaries but are not pushing for these arrears, which could significantly alleviate our financial burdens,” said one concerned staff member.
Adding to the frustration, other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have begun receiving their 2024 arrears payments. Last month, the government released three months of arrears to MDAs, with additional payments scheduled for November and December.
This contrasts sharply with the treatment of FTIs, who have not received any arrears for 2023. Staff members are questioning why the unions have not taken a stronger stand to address this disparity.
In addition to the 2023 arrears, FTI staff are owed five months of wage award arrears and two months of minimum wage arrears. Many believe these unpaid funds could help alleviate the financial strain brought on by inflation and rising living costs.
“Our unions need to step up,” said another staff member. “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are influential, but it’s the responsibility of our unions to lead this fight.”
FTI employees are calling on ASUU, NASU, SSANU, COEASU, and ASUP to intensify their efforts, organize protests, and lobby government officials to ensure that their entitlements are not overlooked.
They argue that the government’s claim of insufficient funds holds little weight, given that other MDAs are receiving their arrears. “If MDAs are being prioritized, why aren’t we?” asked one frustrated lecturer.
The delay in payment affects not just the employees but also their families, as many workers depend on their salaries to meet basic needs. FTI staff are urging their unions to coordinate a strong, collective front to secure the payment of 2023 arrears, the outstanding wage awards, and minimum wage arrears. They emphasize that waiting indefinitely or relying on external labor unions is no longer an option.
As the year draws to a close, FTI unions are under increasing pressure to act. Their members are demanding accountability and transparency regarding steps taken to secure their entitlements, with many warning that continued silence will no longer be tolerated.
