SSANIP protests unpaid promotion arrears and stalled welfare reforms, urging Tinubu to avert looming industrial unrest
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics National President, Philip Ogunsipe, on Thursday in Abuja condemned the Federal Government’s failure to settle unpaid promotion arrears owed to polytechnic workers, warning that continued neglect risks fuelling industrial unrest.
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Speaking at the union’s 78th General Executive Council meeting held at the Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Ogunsipe criticised the prolonged delay in releasing the new Schemes and Conditions of Service for the polytechnic sector.
He added that the government had yet to conclude the renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement, despite repeated assurances.
Ogunsipe also faulted the non-release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds earmarked for infrastructural development in polytechnics.
He described the National Board for Technical Education’s unilateral submission of revised Schemes of Service to the Federal Ministry of Education as a breach of established procedure and a damaging violation of trust with labour unions.
He listed outstanding obligations owed to workers, including promotion arrears, salary review arrears, wage award arrears and the incomplete implementation of the national minimum wage.
The SSANIP president said these unresolved issues were deepening hardship among staff and aggravating economic pressures already heightened by insecurity across the country.
Ogunsipe appealed directly to President Bola Tinubu to intervene promptly, warning that prolonged inaction could push the sector towards crisis.
The union leader emphasised that the workforce remained committed but could not be expected to endure unending delays without consequences.
The National Secretary of SSANIP, Nura Gaya, urged the government to address the concerns facing non-teaching staff decisively. He encouraged workers to remain steadfast despite the strain.
In his remarks, the National Trustee, Godwin Ikhide, advised members to sustain peak performance and urged solidarity among labour unions as they pursue improved welfare and working conditions.
SSANIP is currently pressing for the payment of arrears, the release of updated service schemes and a conclusion to longstanding negotiations.
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The union has cautioned that repeated government inaction risks sparking industrial action, reiterating that the situation demands swift and constructive engagement.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
