Outstanding Promotion Arrears: Polytechnic Workers Call on FG to Act Amid Wage Delays

The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP) has raised serious concerns over the federal government’s delay in settling outstanding promotion arrears for polytechnic workers. The union also highlighted growing insecurity, worsening economic hardship, and ongoing threats to workers’ welfare nationwide.

SSANIP’s National President, Philip Ogunsipe, spoke during the union’s 78th General Executive Council meeting held at Labour House, Abuja. He expressed disappointment over the prolonged delay in releasing the new Schemes and Conditions of Service for the polytechnic sector and the stalled renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement, despite repeated government assurances.

Ogunsipe also criticized the non-release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds, which are meant to support infrastructural development in polytechnics. He condemned the recent unilateral submission of the reviewed Schemes of Service by the National Board for Technical Education to the Federal Ministry of Education, describing it as a “serious breach of trust and a deviation from agreed procedures.”

“Outstanding arrears owed to polytechnic staff include promotion arrears, 25%/35% salary review arrears, wage award arrears, and the incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage,” Ogunsipe noted.

Appealing directly to President Bola Tinubu, the union urged urgent intervention to address these grievances, warning that continued neglect could spark industrial unrest.

Supporting this call, SSANIP’s National Secretary, Nura Gaya, encouraged decisive government action on the challenges facing non-teaching staff while urging workers to remain dedicated to their roles. The union’s National Trustee, Godwin Ikhide, called for continued unity among labour unions and sustained high performance from workers.

SSANIP continues to advocate for improved welfare and working conditions for its members, emphasizing the urgent need for the release of new Schemes and Conditions of Service, payment of outstanding arrears, and full implementation of the national minimum wage. The union has also warned that failure to address these issues could result in industrial action.