Union Demands Financial Justice for Workers and Retirees
The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has issued a formal demand for the immediate settlement of outstanding salaries, promotion arrears, wage awards, and pension benefits. The call was made by NASU President, Dr. Makolo Hassan, during the union’s ongoing National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
Dr. Hassan expressed deep concern over the persistent delay in disbursing legitimate entitlements, characterizing the situation as a violation of the principles of fairness and social justice. According to the union, the withholding of these benefits undermines the dignity of labor and leaves workers vulnerable to exploitative employment practices.
Opposition to Casualisation and Contract Labor
Beyond immediate payment demands, the union leadership voiced strong opposition to the growing trend of casualisation and contract employment within the sector. Dr. Hassan argued that these arrangements deprive employees of essential job security and fair remuneration. He pledged that the union would remain committed to advocating for the regularisation of eligible contract workers and ensuring equal pay for work of equal value.
Economic Pressure and the Minimum Wage
The union’s demands are set against a backdrop of significant economic hardship in Nigeria. Dr. Hassan noted that the rising costs of essential goods and services—including fuel, food, transportation, and electricity—have severely eroded the purchasing power of the average worker. He stated that the current minimum wage is no longer sufficient to sustain households, effectively becoming a “slave wage” in the face of current inflationary pressures.
Advocacy for Retiree Welfare
The NASU leadership also highlighted the plight of retirees, calling for an end to the hardships caused by unpaid gratuities and prolonged verification processes. Dr. Hassan emphasized that the dignity of labor should extend beyond retirement, urging the government and relevant institutions to ensure the prompt payment of pensions and to implement periodic increases that reflect the rising cost of living.