The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, threatening to embark on a nationwide industrial action if it fails to resolve the ongoing crisis involving the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other tertiary education unions within four weeks. The ultimatum, delivered by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, signals mounting frustration among workers over the government’s perceived neglect of Nigeria’s education system and the continued suffering of university staff and students.
The statement, which has sent ripples across the nation, underscores the possibility of a massive labour shutdown that could affect every sector if urgent steps are not taken to end the long-standing standoff between the government and ASUU.
Background: The Lingering ASUU Crisis
For years, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has been engaged in recurring disputes with the Federal Government over several unfulfilled agreements. The most recent wave of tension stems from:
- Unpaid salary arrears resulting from the government’s “no work, no pay” policy.
- Failure to implement the 2009 FG–ASUU agreement, which outlines funding, conditions of service, and university autonomy.
- Poor infrastructure and decaying facilities in federal and state universities.
- Lack of adequate welfare packages for lecturers and staff.
These issues have repeatedly disrupted academic calendars across the country, leaving millions of Nigerian students stranded and uncertain about their educational future.
NLC’s Bold Stand: ‘No Pay, No Work’ vs. ‘No Work, No Pay’
During a press briefing, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed deep dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the education crisis. He condemned the continued enforcement of the “no work, no pay” policy on striking lecturers, calling it “unjust, insensitive, and provocative.”
In a dramatic twist, the NLC declared a counter-position: “No pay, no work.”
According to Ajaero, the government cannot expect workers to continue providing essential services when they are being denied their rightful earnings.
“You cannot continue to treat lecturers like beggars in their own country and expect peace in the system. We demand immediate intervention, and failure to do so within four weeks will force us to take nationwide action,” Ajaero warned.
Four-Week Deadline to the Federal Government
The NLC’s ultimatum gives the Federal Government exactly four weeks to resolve all lingering issues with ASUU and other tertiary institutions’ unions. The Congress emphasized that the time frame is not open-ended, stressing that labour will no longer sit idly while education collapses.
The NLC has already begun mobilizing its affiliate unions, indicating that preparations for a possible nationwide strike are underway. Should the government fail to act within the given period, the NLC plans to call for a total shutdown of economic and public services across Nigeria.
Impact of a Potential Nationwide Strike
If the Nigeria Labour Congress follows through with its threat, the country could witness widespread disruption that goes far beyond the education sector. Potential impacts include:
| Sector | Possible Impact of Strike |
|---|---|
| Education | Total halt in academic activities across public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. |
| Transportation | Suspension of public transport services and logistical movement. |
| Health | Hospitals may experience reduced staffing, affecting healthcare delivery. |
| Finance | Banking operations and public service payments could face significant delays. |
| Economy | Economic productivity may decline due to halted labour activities nationwide. |
Such an action would not only cripple public services but also deepen the economic challenges facing millions of Nigerians, especially amid rising inflation and unemployment.
ASUU’s Position and the 2009 Agreement
ASUU has long insisted that the root of the crisis lies in the Federal Government’s failure to honor the 2009 agreement. The agreement included commitments to improve university funding, upgrade infrastructure, and ensure fair remuneration for lecturers. However, successive administrations have been accused of paying lip service to these promises.
ASUU maintains that until the agreement is fully implemented and salary arrears are settled, the union will continue to resist returning to work under unfair conditions. The NLC’s intervention, therefore, represents a major turning point in the labour movement’s support for the education sector.
NLC’s Call for Unity Across Labour Fronts
The Nigeria Labour Congress has also reached out to other unions across the country to stand in solidarity with university workers. Ajaero emphasized that the crisis is not limited to ASUU alone, but reflects a broader pattern of government neglect across all levels of education and public service.
“The fight to rescue Nigeria’s education system is a fight for the soul of the nation,” he declared. “When the universities die, the future of our children dies with them.”
This call for unity has sparked widespread discussions among trade unions, civil society groups, and students’ organizations, many of whom have expressed readiness to join the NLC in mass action if the government fails to act.
Public Reaction and Student Frustration
Across the country, the news of the NLC ultimatum has stirred mixed reactions. Many Nigerian students, who have endured repeated academic disruptions, expressed relief that the labour union is finally taking a firm stand.
Some students believe that this pressure might finally force the Federal Government to address the crisis, while others worry that a full-blown strike could further delay academic progress. Parents and education stakeholders have also voiced concerns, urging both parties to prioritize dialogue over confrontation.
Government’s Expected Response
The Federal Government is yet to issue an official statement in response to the NLC’s threat. However, sources within the Ministry of Labour and Employment hint that fresh negotiation meetings may soon be convened to avert the impending industrial showdown.
Observers note that the government’s handling of this issue will test its commitment to labour relations, education reform, and national stability.
