The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of non-academic unions in Nigerian universities has resumed negotiations with the Federal Government following the suspension of its indefinite nationwide strike over welfare and salary-related disputes.

The committee, which comprises the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, confirmed that discussions with government representatives restarted on Monday in Abuja.

The unions had embarked on an indefinite strike on April 30 over delays in renegotiating the 2009 agreement with the Federal Government, as well as unresolved issues relating to salary adjustments, allowances and welfare packages.

The industrial action was, however, suspended on May 11 after interventions and assurances from the Federal Government Expanded Tertiary Institutions Renegotiation Committee.

Speaking in a telephone interview, SSANU National President, Mohammed Ibrahim, disclosed that the renewed negotiations were currently taking place at the headquarters of the National Universities Commission in Abuja.

According to him, both parties are expected to conclude discussions and sign a fresh agreement within two weeks.

“We have resumed discussions today and expect to conclude the process, including the signing of agreements, within two weeks,” Ibrahim stated.

He revealed that the unions had demanded a minimum 40 per cent salary increase, rejecting the Federal Government’s earlier 30 per cent offer.

“We rejected the government’s 30 per cent offer, and it has been withdrawn. Our demand remains a minimum of 40 per cent,” he said.

Ibrahim added that government representatives requested more time to review financial figures, benchmarks and related issues before presenting another proposal to the unions.

According to him, the unions insisted that any fresh offer from the government must not fall below the 40 per cent demand already submitted.

The SSANU president also warned that the suspended strike could resume if negotiations fail to produce a concrete agreement within the agreed two-week timeline.

“The mandate from our members is clear: if nothing is concluded after two weeks, the strike will resume,” he warned.