Laleye Dipo in Minna
The Niger State Government has bowed to the demands of its striking tertiary institution workers by agreeing to implement most of the demands that led to the industrial action.
Academic and non-academic staff in all state owned tertiary institutions last Monday began an indefinite strike after a three day warning strike did not make the government to shift ground.
However a statement from the office of the Head of service made available to newsmen in Minna on Saturday said: ” an agreement has been reached between government and union officials as such the strike would soon be called off
“The agreement, which was signed on Friday was the outcome of series of meetings held at the office of the Head of service between all the representatives of unions of tertiary institutions led by comrade Baba Haruna, chairman COUNOTI and other union leaders” the statement signed by permanent secretary (establishment) for the Head of service said.
Part of the agreement according to the statement was that government affirmed its position as it affects the 65 years retirement age for academic staff and directed for its immediate gazetting while that of “Non-Academic Staff would be looked into in due course”.
The agreement also directed the ministry of finance to commence the implementation of the outstanding promotions for all categories of staff including the payment of arrears with effect from this month.
In addition government agreed that the “15 percent salary enhancement for Academic and Non-Academic staff (as well as the remaining two percent Academic allowance) would be paid from next month.
Government also as part of the agreement assured that renovation infrastructures in all state owned tertiary institutions would continue in the current financial year.
The statement said negotiations on other demands would “continue as soon as the revenue profile of the state government improves” while the enabling circular would be issued to relevant ministries, departments and agencies.
