By Atlantic Reports

The Federal Government has pledged continued dialogue with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) over workers’ welfare and outstanding demands.

Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi gave the assurance on Tuesday while opening the union’s National Executive Council meeting in Abuja.

He said the government recognised the administrative, technical and maintenance work NASU members perform in universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

“My doors are always open. We will continue to work with you and other unions in the sector to address your legitimate demands through social dialogue and collective bargaining,” Dingyadi said.

The minister promised transparency and said he had participated directly in negotiations and the signing of agreements intended to address workers’ concerns.

However, the supplied account did not identify the agreements, their implementation status or a timetable for resolving outstanding demands.

Economic Pressure on Workers

Dingyadi acknowledged the economic difficulties facing workers. He said the government had implemented the ₦70,000 national minimum wage and was pursuing further measures to improve welfare and purchasing power.

That statement represents the minister’s account of implementation. The meeting report did not provide details of payment coverage across educational institutions or identify the additional welfare measures under consideration.

He urged NASU to continue using dialogue, collective bargaining and engagement among government, employers and workers to resolve disputes.

Dingyadi also called on members to uphold efficiency, accountability and professional standards in their duties.

University Begins Arrears Payments

At the meeting, Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi, Vice-Chancellor of Yakubu Gowon University, said the institution had begun paying two months’ outstanding contract arrears to workers engaged through its internally generated revenue.

He said payments followed the receipt of government funds and an agreement with the union.

The announcement indicated that payment had commenced, rather than confirming that all affected workers had received their arrears. The account did not disclose the total amount owed, the number of beneficiaries or a completion date.

Fawehinmi said management was also addressing staff conversion, upgrading and promotion, describing the measures as part of efforts to improve motivation and strengthen industrial relations.

He emphasised cooperation between management and the union in maintaining a conducive working environment.

Union Calls for Sustained Engagement

NASU General Secretary Prince Peters Adeyemi thanked Dingyadi for attending and urged him to sustain direct engagement with workers.

Adeyemi said listening to unions was essential to understanding the concerns confronting their members, particularly at a time when workers across the country faced numerous unresolved issues.

The meeting produced assurances of continued engagement and a report of payments beginning at one institution. For affected workers, progress will depend on the implementation of agreements, settlement of arrears and clear timelines for outstanding welfare matters.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.