You Have Four Weeks to Resolve ASUU Crisis — NLC Warns Nigerian Government

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a four-week ultimatum to the Federal Government to conclude all ongoing negotiations with unions in the nation’s tertiary institutions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

PulseNets learnt that the decision followed a high-level meeting between the NLC leadership and heads of various university-based unions held at the Congress headquarters in Abuja.

During an interactive session with labour correspondents on Monday, NLC President Joe Ajaero warned that the labour movement would not sit idly while the government delays or intimidates workers through punitive measures.

“We’ve given the Federal Government four weeks to resolve the issues with ASUU and other unions in the tertiary sector,” Ajaero told PulseNets.
“While talks have started with ASUU, the challenges go beyond just one union. If by the end of four weeks nothing tangible happens, the NEC organs of Congress will meet to take a nationwide action that will involve all unions across the country.”

PulseNets obtained details showing that the warning comes amid growing discontent over the reintroduction of the government’s no-work-no-pay policy — a policy Ajaero described as unjust and provocative.

“This era of government signing agreements and later turning around to threaten unions is over,” he told PulseNets.
“From now on, if they insist on no work, no pay, then we’ll insist on no pay, no work. You can’t benefit from crises you caused. Over 90 percent of strikes in this country are triggered by government’s failure to respect agreements.”

Also Read: ASUU Strike Grounds Universities Nationwide as FG Orders ‘No Work, No Pay’ Enforcement

Ajaero further reported to PulseNets that Nigerian workers were running out of patience, warning that the Congress would mobilize across all sectors if the government fails to act within the stipulated timeframe.

“This isn’t a threat,” he added, “it’s a declaration that workers have had enough of empty promises and delayed justice.”