A major association representing senior staff in Nigerian universities, teaching hospitals and research institutes has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government over unpaid salary arrears, erratic tax deductions and delayed retirement benefits.
The Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Allied Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI) raised these concerns in a communiqué issued at the end of its sectoral council meeting, signed by Chairman Baba Muhammed and Secretary Ademola Olajire.
The association described the welfare and conditions of service of its members as very poor, saying the government had approved several entitlements over the years but failed to pay them.
The outstanding arrears include wage awards meant to cushion the impact of inflation, promotion arrears owed to staff whose advancements have not been monetised, the 2009 53.7 per cent salary increase arrears, and the 2003 CONHESS/CONMESS 25 and 35 per cent adjustment arrears owed to staff of research institutes.
Many members have waited for years to receive entitlements already approved by the government, the association said, adding that the delay contradicts the government’s stated commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
SSAUTHRIAI also raised alarm over inconsistent tax deductions, saying unstable government tax policies had made monthly take-home pay unpredictable and worsened the financial burden on workers already struggling with rising inflation.
“Many workers now take home less than expected despite stagnant salaries, while the cost of goods and services continues to climb,” the communiqué stated.
The association called on the Federal Government to urgently review the current tax regime and introduce measures that provide immediate relief to workers whose purchasing power has been significantly eroded.
Another major concern raised was the failure of the National Housing Fund (NHF) to promptly refund contributions to retired members.
SSAUTHRIAI said many retirees who contributed to the NHF throughout their working years are still waiting to access their savings long after leaving service, describing the situation as a violation of workers’ rights.
The association urged the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria and other agencies managing the NHF to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and ensure retirees receive their contributions without further delay.
SSAUTHRIAI warned that if these issues remain unresolved, productivity and morale among senior staff in universities, teaching hospitals and research institutes could be seriously affected.
The association stressed that workers in the education and health sectors remain central to national development and deserve to be treated accordingly.
Digital Operations Manager at The Students Forum Nigeria.
