ASUU Strike: FG Says No Agreement Reached With Union

The federal government has revealed that no agreement has been with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) amid the ongoing strike.

The industrial strike action which began on February 14, 2022, has entered its sixth month, with students venting their frustrations over the deadlock between the government and the union.

It has now been disclosed by the federal government that there was no Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) awaiting President Muhammadu Buhari’s assent.

The update was given by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige via a statement by Olajide Oshundun, the ministry’s Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations.

According to Ngige, when a CBA is produced between unions and the federal government, it is not the President who signs.

"There is no such CBA that has been reached between the Federal Government, ASUU and other university unions on the renegotiation of their salaries and allowances (wages).

"What is in existence is a proposal. Even when such CBA is made, it is not the president who signs it. From available records, no Nigerian President or sovereign signs such", he stated.

Speaking further, Ngige added that the union's demands (wages, salaries, allowances and other public service matters would be guided by the relevant government ministries and agencies.

He listed the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour and Employment, and Budget office of the Federation.

The others are the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission, the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation, through the Prof. Nimi Briggs Committee.