The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities and the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) initiated a seven-day warning strike on Monday due to delayed salaries, resulting in closed hostels and disrupted electricity supply.

Administrative activities came to a standstill in all public universities across Nigeria as hostels and university entrances were secured with locks, and electricity supply was disconnected.

Following an initial notice issued on March 11, 2024, the unions followed through with their threat a week later, on March 18, 2024, by closing down hostels, halting power supply, suspending security operations, and ceasing administrative functions in universities nationwide. This move has faced strong criticism from Labour Minister Nkiruka Onyejeocha, who characterized the unions' actions as a blatant disregard for the Federal Government's ongoing efforts to address their grievances.

The Minister consistently emphasizes that strikes are not beneficial and should only be considered as a final resort after exhausting all avenues for reconciliation. A statement from the minister's office urges SSANU and NASU to reconsider their firm position and engage in negotiations with the federal government.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), representing various unions nationwide, has thrown its support behind SSANU and NASU, urging the Federal Government to take necessary actions.

According to NLC President Joe Ajaero, he mentioned that there was no valid justification for the initial withholding of those salaries.