Delta State Government Reaffirms Commitment To Implement 2026 FGN/SSANU/NASU Agreement

JAC Urges Expeditious Action, As Commissioner Assures Unions Of Government’s Commitment

The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of the 2026 Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN)/Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU)/Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) Agreement, assuring non-teaching staff in the State-owned universities that the process is receiving the necessary attention.

The assurance was given on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, when the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of SSANU and NASU, Delta State Chapter, met with the Commissioner for Higher Education, Delta State, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari.

Speaking on behalf of the unions, Chairman of JAC; Comr. Matthew Eyuren, expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for his prompt payment of workers’ salaries and continued commitment to the development of the four State-owned universities, particularly through the execution of capital projects.

While commending these efforts, the JAC Chairman appealed to the State Government to expedite the implementation of the 2026 FGN/SSANU/NASU Agreement.

Comr. Eyuren noted that more than 18 universities across various states of the federation had already commenced implementation of the Agreement, stressing that Delta State should not be left behind.

He further observed the prolonged delay had generated growing concern among non-teaching staff in the four State-owned universities.

He therefore urged the State Government to swing into action and conclude the necessary processes in order to sustain industrial peace and harmony within the University system.

According to him, the unions remained committed to constructive engagement with government and would continue to pursue the legitimate interests and welfare of their members through dialogue and responsible unionism.

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Responding, the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Nyerhovwo Tonukari, appreciated the leadership of SSANU and NASU for their patience and understanding.

The Commissioner disclosed that Governor Oborevwori was already in receipt of the 2026 FGN/SSANU/NASU Agreement, adding that the necessary machinery for its implementation had already been set in motion.

He explained that the financial implications of the Agreement are currently being collated from the Bursars of the four State-owned universities, preparatory to final approval and implementation by the State Government.

The Commissioner’s assurance was received with optimism by the union representatives, who expressed confidence that the process would be brought to a successful conclusion.

At the end of the meeting, the JAC leadership expressed appreciation to the Commissioner for granting the unions an audience and for the assurances provided.

The unions are awaiting approval of the financial implications by the Executive Governor upon his return from vacation, with the expectation that implementation will commence thereafter.

SSANU and NASU, Delta State Chapter, reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful and constructive engagement with the State Government, while expecting prompt action on the Agreement in the interest of staff welfare, industrial harmony and the sustainable development of the State-owned universities.

However, Eyuren noted that the unions would not hesitate to declare an industrial dispute if there was undue delay in the implementation of the Agreement.

Meanwhile, in a statement on Tuesday, the unions remain hopeful that the ongoing process will culminate in the timely implementation of the Agreement.

The statement was signed by Comr. Matthew Eyuren, Chairman, SSANU-DELSU, Abraka Branch and Chairman of JAC; Comr. Lucky Oritshedere, Chairman, NASU-DELSU, Abraka Branch; Comr. Dr. Moses Otiedhe, Chairman, SSANU-DOU, Asaba Branch; Comr. Augustine Opene, Chairman, NASU-DOU, Asaba Branch; Comr. Ighosewe Michael, Chairman, SSANU-SDU, Ozoro Branch; Comr. Egware Martins, Chairman, NASU-SDU, Ozoro Branch; Comr. Eghen-Aselue Chuks, Chairman, SSANU-UNIDEL, Agbor Branch; and Comr. Ikwu Joel, Chairman, NASU-UNIDEL, Agbor Branch.