The Federal Government has disbursed funds to settle outstanding salaries for members of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) of Federal Universities and provide benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.
According to a statement on Saturday by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF), payments to NASU members have commenced, with several confirming receipt.
The statement read, “The Federal Government has released funds for payment of withheld salaries for members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities. Funds have also been released to cover benefits for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.”
The OAGF further assured that the Federal Government remains committed to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees.
The release of funds comes after the Joint Action Committee of SSANU and NASU initiated an indefinite strike on Monday, protesting the four months of withheld salaries, which has halted activities in universities nationwide.
Earlier in the week, SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim confirmed that university executives, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, had not received salaries for four months. He stated that universities would remain closed until all payments were made.