SSANIP issues July ultimatum over unpaid arrears, insecurity

The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has warned that members may embark on an indefinite strike if the federal government fails to meet its demands by the end of July.

The demands include payment of outstanding salary arrears, action on insecurity in tertiary institutions, and access to housing loans.

The position was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by the National President, Philip Ogunsipe, and National Secretary, Nura Gaya, at the end of its general executive council (GEC) meeting in Abuja.

Rising from their meeting, where they deliberated on matters affecting the welfare of members, polytechnic education, and other critical national issues, the union expressed concern over worsening conditions in the sector, particularly the delay in the payment of outstanding promotion arrears for the years 2021 to 2025.

It lamented that affected members are being subjected to avoidable financial hardship and psychological distress due to the delay.

SSANIP also condemned the non-payment of one-year arrears for the 25 and 35 per cent salary increases for non-teaching staff in federal polytechnics, describing it as unfair and demoralising.

On security, the association cited the attack on Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, where a staff member was killed, while two others and six students remain in captivity.

The situation, the union noted, has created a climate of severe panic, prompting staff and students to flee the institution for safety.

It called for urgent intervention by security agencies to secure the release of those abducted.

The union also condemned delays in accessing the National Housing Fund (NHF) and home renovation loans administered by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria.

It was alleged that members have been denied access to the loans despite ongoing salary deductions over the years.

SSANIP further raised concerns over an alleged lack of transparency in the implementation of the Yayale Ahmed Committee report, warning that failure to release implementation directives for the committee report by the end of July may force members to declare an indefinite strike.

It warned that continued neglect of its demands could leave the union with no option but to resort to industrial action.