In a major move toward addressing long-standing financial grievances, the Federal Government has released funds to settle withheld salaries of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU). This conciliatory step aims to ease financial strains on university staff, many of whom have participated in strikes over unpaid wages.
The announcement, made by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), was shared in a Saturday statement by Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations. The statement confirmed that funds were not only allocated for NASU’s outstanding salaries but also to cover retirement benefits under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS).
This financial release is expected to stabilize Nigeria's public university system and reduce the economic hardship on academic and non-academic staff. The OAGF statement emphasized the government’s commitment to “efficiently catering to the welfare of Nigerian workers and retirees,” marking it as part of a broader strategy to enhance public sector morale and resolve disputes in the higher education sector.
By prioritizing both salaries and retirement benefits, the Federal Government aims to restore trust and improve conditions for current employees and retirees alike. This development highlights the government’s efforts to address fiscal challenges in Nigeria’s university system while supporting the welfare of its personnel.