Eid-el-Fitr: Act fast to cushion harsh effects of inflation on workers, SSANU tells FG

2026-03-20 - 20:53

—Wants immediate conclusion of renegotiation with varsity non-teaching unions By Johnbosco Agbakwuru, Abuja As Nigerian Muslims join the global community to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) has called on the government to take deliberate and practical steps to cushion the harsh effects of inflation on Nigerian workers. SSANU said government policies must translate into real relief through improved welfare, wage adjustments, and economic measures that restore dignity to labour. In a message to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, SSANU President Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim felicitated with all members of the association, the wider Muslim Ummah, and all Nigerians, especially the Muslims, on the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan. Comrade Ibrahim, who is the National Internal Auditor of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising SSANU and the Non-Academic Staff of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), said the discipline, resilience, and strength demonstrated throughout the sacred period are worthy of deep admiration. “To abstain from food and water for long hours each day is a profound act of devotion and complete submission to the will of Almighty Allah (SWT). May Allah reward your sacrifices abundantly, and may He accept them from all of us as acts of sincere worship.” He said across the nation’s universities and communities, SSANU members continue to show remarkable resilience and dedication in the face of mounting economic pressures. According to him: “The rising cost of living, driven by persistent inflation, has placed a heavy strain on workers and their families, with many doing more with far less while remaining committed to sustaining the institutions that shape our nation’s future. “As a union, we acknowledge these sacrifices, but we must also ensure they are not taken for granted. We therefore call on the Federal Government to urgently hasten the conclusion of the ongoing renegotiation process with SSANU/NASU, in a manner that reflects sincerity, fairness, and a clear recognition of the central role university workers play in national development. Prolonged delays only deepen uncertainty and erode confidence. “In the same vein, we urge government at all levels to take deliberate and practical steps to cushion the harsh effects of inflation on Nigerian workers. “Policies must translate into real relief through improved welfare, wage adjustments, and economic measures that restore dignity to labour. “The stability of our universities, and indeed the progress of our nation, rests on how well we value and support those who keep the system running.” The SSANU President extended heartfelt condolences to the people of Maiduguri and all those affected by the recent tragic bombings. “We mourn with the families who have lost loved ones and stand in solidarity with all who have been injured or displaced by these senseless acts of violence,” he said. “Such incidents are painful reminders of the urgent need to secure our communities and protect innocent lives. We pray that Almighty Allah grants the departed souls eternal rest, comforts the bereaved, and brings healing and peace to all those affected.” He contended that the season also calls on Nigerians to strengthen the bonds that unite them, adding, “Beyond differences of role, region, or belief, we share a common purpose: to build a just, stable, and prosperous Nigeria. “Let us continue to uphold the principles of unity, discipline, and collective progress that define our union.” He admonished his members, as they celebrate, “to remain steadfast, hopeful, and committed to the ideals we represent. Better days must not only be hoped for; they must be pursued with clarity, courage, and purpose.”