The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) has expressed serious concern over the worsening insecurity, growing economic hardship, and persistent threats to workers’ welfare across the country.

This position was made known by the National President of SSANIP, Comrade Philip Adebanjo Ogunsipe, during the 78th General Executive Council (GEC) meeting of the union held at the Comrade Olaitan Oyerinde Hall, Labour House, Abuja.

In his address, the SSANIP president decried the prolonged delay in the release of the new Schemes and Conditions of Service for the Polytechnic sector and the failure to conclude the renegotiation of the 2010 Agreement, despite repeated assurances by government officials.

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Ogunsipe also lamented the non-release of the 2023 NEEDS Assessment Funds meant for infrastructural development in Polytechnics.

He further condemned the recent unilateral submission of the reviewed Schemes of Service by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), describing the action as a deviation from agreed procedures and a serious breach of trust with labour unions.

He listed outstanding arrears owed to Polytechnic staff to include promotion arrears, 25%/35% salary review arrears, wage award arrears, and the incomplete implementation of the new national minimum wage.

The union leader appealed to Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to urgently intervene and address the grievances of non-academic staff in Polytechnics, warning that continued neglect could trigger industrial unrest.

Also speaking, the National Secretary of SSANIP, Comrade Nura Shehu Gaya, urged the Federal Government to act decisively on the challenges confronting non-teaching staff, even as he encouraged workers to remain committed to their duties.

Also, the National Trustee of the union, Comrade Godwin Ikhide, called on workers to sustain peak performance and advised labour unions to remain united in pursuit of common goals.

Speaking on behalf of branches, Comrade Pepple Sidney, Branch Secretary of the Federal Polytechnic of Oil and Gas, Bonny, said the meeting was convened to deliberate on critical issues affecting Polytechnics and to seek government support in tackling obstacles undermining the efficiency of non-academic staff.

The meeting featured interactive sessions with members and ended with group photographs, reinforcing the spirit of unity and collective struggle within the union.