The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics has raised fresh concerns over the Federal Government’s failure to clear outstanding promotion arrears owed to polytechnic workers. The union said the situation is adding to the growing insecurity, rising economic hardship, and persistent threats to workers’ welfare across the country.
The National President of SSANIP, Philip Ogunsipe, made this known on Thursday during the 78th General Executive Council meeting of the union held at the Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Abuja. In his address, Ogunsipe decried what he described as “the prolonged delay in the release of the new Schemes and Conditions of Service for the Polytechnic sector and the failure to conclude the renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement, despite repeated assurances by government officials.”
He added that the union is also worried about the “non-release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds meant for infrastructural development in Polytechnics.” Ogunsipe condemned the recent unilateral submission of the reviewed Schemes of Service by the National Board for Technical Education to the Federal Ministry of Education, describing it as “a deviation from agreed procedures and a serious breach of trust with labour unions.”
According to him, several arrears remain unpaid, including promotion arrears, 25%/35% salary review arrears, wage award arrears, and the incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage. He appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and address the challenges facing non-academic staff in Polytechnics, warning that neglecting these issues could lead to industrial unrest.
The National Secretary of SSANIP, Nura Gaya, also urged the Federal Government to take decisive action on the concerns affecting non-teaching staff. He encouraged members of the union to remain committed to their duties despite the difficulties.
In his remarks, the National Trustee of SSANIP, Godwin Ikhide, called on workers to maintain peak performance and advised labour unions to stay united as they pursue their shared goals.
SSANIP is pushing for improved welfare and better working conditions, pointing to delays in the release of new Schemes and Conditions of Service and the stalled renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement. The union is also insisting on the payment of all outstanding arrears and the full implementation of the new national minimum wage, warning that continued government inaction may trigger industrial unrest.
