Non-academic staff in Nigeria’s public universities have begun steps to suspend their ongoing nationwide strike, raising hopes for the full resumption of campus activities.

The decision was announced by the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, which directed branches to initiate processes for suspending the industrial action effective May 11, 2026.

The move follows a series of negotiations with the Federal Government over unresolved issues, including the renegotiation of the 2009 agreement and concerns over staff welfare.

In a circular to branch leaders, jointly signed by NASU General Secretary Peters Adeyemi and SSANU National President Mohammed Ibrahim, the unions said they secured a commitment from the government to conclude all outstanding negotiations within two weeks of suspending the strike.

The breakthrough came after a meeting with the Federal Government’s Expanded Renegotiation Committee, led by former Head of Service Yayale Ahmed.

According to the unions, the government indicated that any further review of its earlier proposals, including adjustments to the Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), would require approval from President Bola Tinubu.

Branch leaders have been instructed to convene congresses to brief members and ratify the suspension, while engagements with government stakeholders continue.

The unions also disclosed that discussions include a previously proposed 30 percent salary increase under CONTISS, which had earlier been withdrawn.

NASU and SSANU commenced the strike on May 1, 2026, over delays in renegotiating the 2009 agreement covering salaries, allowances, and working conditions.