The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has decried the Federal Government’s continued delay in paying outstanding promotion arrears and other entitlements owed to non-academic staff in polytechnics across the country.
This was disclosed by the National President of SSANIP, Mr. Philip Ogunsipe, during the union’s 78th General Executive Council meeting held at the Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, on Thursday in Abuja.
Ogunsipe said the union remained concerned about what it described as government’s “persistent neglect” of critical welfare issues affecting polytechnic workers.
He listed the arrears to include promotion arrears, 25/35 per cent salary review arrears, wage award arrears, and incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage.
He also criticised the delay in releasing the new Schemes and Conditions of Service for the polytechnic sector and the unresolved renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement, despite “repeated assurances” by government officials.
“Similarly, we lament the non-release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds meant for infrastructural development in polytechnics,” he added.
The SSANIP president condemned what he termed the unilateral submission of the reviewed Schemes of Service by the National Board for Technical Education to the Federal Ministry of Education, describing it as a deviation from agreed procedures and a breach of trust.
Ogunsipe appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene in addressing the grievances of non-academic staff in polytechnics, warning that continued inaction could trigger industrial unrest within the sector.
Also speaking, SSANIP National Secretary, Mr. Nura Gaya, urged the Federal Government to act decisively on the lingering challenges, while encouraging workers to remain committed to their duties.
Similarly, the National Trustee of the union, Mr. Godwin Ikhide, advised polytechnic workers to sustain optimal performance and called for unity among labour unions in pursuing collective goals.
SSANIP is seeking improved welfare and working conditions for its members, including immediate payment of outstanding arrears, release of new Schemes and Conditions of Service, and completion of the 2010 Agreement renegotiation.
The union reiterated that continued neglect of its demands may result in industrial action if urgent steps are not taken by the Federal Government.
