The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has threatened to adopt the government’s “no pay, no work” policy in response to unpaid wages and unresolved labour issues affecting its members across the country.
The union made the statement following a two-day National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, where delegates expressed frustration over what they described as the government’s neglect of non-teaching staff in federal universities, polytechnics, and research institutes. NASU’s leadership argued that workers cannot continue to provide essential services without being paid.
According to General Secretary Peters Adeyemi, the government’s approach to labour relations has become one-sided, with employees bearing the brunt of policies meant to enforce fiscal discipline. Adeyemi stated that if the government insists on “no work, no pay,” NASU may equally adopt “no pay, no work” as a fair response.
The threat follows long-standing grievances over unpaid allowances, delayed salaries, and unimplemented collective agreements. Many members say their patience is wearing thin, particularly after several rounds of unproductive talks with the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
NASU’s warning comes at a sensitive time when the federal government is trying to stabilize the education sector and prevent further disruptions in public institutions. Analysts fear that a full-scale withdrawal of services by NASU could cripple operations in universities and research bodies, affecting students and academic output nationwide.
Labour experts note that the union’s stance underscores a larger issue of mutual distrust between government and public sector workers. Without credible dialogue and timely intervention, they warn, both sides risk deepening the crisis that has plagued Nigeria’s public service for years.
As tensions rise, attention now turns to the Ministry of Labour and the Office of the Head of Service, which are expected to convene emergency discussions with NASU representatives in the coming days. Whether this marks the start of meaningful reform or another round of stalemate remains to be seen.