SSANU, NASU, NAAT Applaud Oborevwori For Implementation Of 2026 Renegotiated Agreement, Appeal For Payment Of Eight Months Arrears

The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), and National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), Delta State Council, has commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for implementing the 2026 Renegotiated Agreement for non-teaching staff in the four state-owned universities in Delta State.

The unions, however, appealed to the governor to approve the payment of eight months' outstanding arrears covering January to August 2026, alongside the November 2026 salary.

The commendation and appeal were contained in a statement issued at the end of a JAC Executive Committee (EXCO) meeting held at Southern Delta University, Ozoro, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

Speaking after the meeting, the JAC Chairman of the University-Based Unions, Comrade Matthew O. Eyuren, described the implementation of the agreement as a positive and commendable step that had rekindled hope and strengthened the confidence of non-teaching staff in the commitment of the Oborevwori-led administration to their welfare.

The unions expressed profound appreciation to the governor for the intervention, describing it as a demonstration of his administration's recognition of the invaluable contributions of non-teaching staff to the effective administration, smooth operation and overall advancement of the university system.

They noted that the decision also reflected the administration's commitment to staff welfare, industrial relations and the creation of a conducive working environment where all categories of university personnel are treated with fairness, dignity and a sense of belonging.

According to the statement, the implementation of the agreement is particularly significant because it acknowledges the indispensable roles played by non-teaching staff in sustaining the academic environment, supporting teaching and research activities, maintaining institutional structures and ensuring the day-to-day administrative and technical operations of the universities.

The JAC chairman noted that the progress and stability of any university system depended not only on its academic workforce but also on the dedication, professionalism and commitment of its non-teaching personnel.

While expressing gratitude to the governor for the timely intervention, the unions drew the attention of the state government to an outstanding component of the 2026 Renegotiated Agreement which, they said, required urgent consideration.

They recalled that the agreement, reached and signed between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the relevant non-teaching staff unions, became effective from January 1, 2026.

According to them, non-teaching staff in federal universities across the country, as well as their counterparts in several state-owned universities, had received the corresponding financial benefits and outstanding arrears accruing from the implementation of the agreement.

Consequently, the unions said that although the commencement of implementation by the Delta State Government was highly commendable, the payment of outstanding arrears remained a critical aspect of the agreement that deserved equal attention.

They specifically stated that affected non-teaching staff in the four state-owned universities in Delta State were still awaiting the payment of eight months' arrears covering the period from January to August 2026.

Acknowledging the financial and administrative commitments involved in implementing the agreement, the JAC appealed to Governor Oborevwori to kindly consider and approve the prompt payment of the outstanding eight-month arrears alongside the November 2026 salary.

The unions expressed confidence that the governor, whom they described as purposeful and people-oriented, recognised that workers' welfare was an essential pillar of sustainable institutional development.

They added that approval and payment of the outstanding arrears would further consolidate the goodwill generated by the implementation of the renegotiated agreement and demonstrate the administration's responsiveness to the legitimate concerns and aspirations of the workforce.

The JAC, therefore, appealed to the governor's sense of compassion, fairness and commitment to the welfare of Deltans to give the request favourable and urgent consideration.

The unions also expressed optimism that the appeal would receive the necessary attention and that affected non-teaching staff would soon have further cause to appreciate the governor's support.

Reaffirming their commitment to sustaining industrial peace, mutual understanding and harmonious working relationships in the four state-owned universities, the unions said they remained resolute in promoting constructive engagement, responsible unionism and productive collaboration with the state government and university managements.

They further reaffirmed their readiness to continue supporting the Oborevwori-led administration in its quest to actualise the MORE Agenda for Delta State, particularly in the areas of meaningful development, institutional advancement, improved service delivery and the overall well-being of the people.

The JAC once again expressed appreciation to Governor Oborevwori for implementing the 2026 Renegotiated Agreement and appealed for the payment of the outstanding eight months' arrears covering January to August 2026 alongside the November 2026 salary.

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