The Federal Government has allocated funds to address the long-standing issue of withheld salaries for members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU).

This announcement was made by Mr. Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, in a statement released in Abuja on Saturday.

Mokwa confirmed that payments to NASU members have already begun, with many reporting receipt of their salaries. He also noted that funds have been released for the payment of benefits to retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS).

This development comes amid a nationwide strike initiated by NASU and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) on October 29, 2024.

The strike was prompted by grievances over unpaid salaries and disparities in payments among various university unions. SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim stated that the strike would continue for at least seven days unless the government addresses their concerns.

The unions had previously issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding action on their issues.

As tensions rise, both NASU and SSANU are calling for urgent resolutions to their demands, emphasizing the critical role non-academic staff play in maintaining university operations across Nigeria.