FG Reacts to SSANU, NASU’s Fresh Strike Threat: A Geopolitical Perspective

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) have threatened to embark on a seven-day warning strike beginning March 18, 2024.

The strike action, if not addressed by the government, would lead to the closure of university hostels and the cutting off of university power.

Following the announcement of the strike, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, addressed the media after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday.

He assured the public that the government is taking the necessary steps to engage with the unions and find a lasting solution to the problem.

When questioned about the exclusion of SSANU, NASU, and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) from the directive by President Bola Tinubu to pay four months’ salary to university workers who were on strike in 2022, the Minister did not provide a specific answer.

Instead, he emphasized that the government would continue to engage with the unions to ensure that all workers receive what is rightfully due to them.

The issue of the strike and the government’s response has implications for Nigeria’s geopolitical relations.

As the country navigates its position in the international arena, the government’s handling of domestic issues like labor disputes can impact its image and standing among other nations.

As the deadline for the strike action looms, the Nigerian government’s ability to engage with the unions and find a resolution will be a crucial test of its commitment to addressing the concerns of its workers and maintaining stability within its borders.

The outcome of these negotiations will have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s geopolitical landscape and its ability to foster strong relationships with other nations.