The Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has spoken about the latest update on the ongoing five-month strike action in the university system. He stated that negotiations were ongoing between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Ministry of Education.

The minister, however noted that negotiating with only ASUU without concurrently doing so with the other university-based unions also on strike would only prolong the strike action as there would not be a quick resolution of the issues.

Chris Ngige, during a press briefing to celebrate the 2022 World Day Against Child Labour in Abuja on Thursday stated that Nigeria is broke. He said Nigeria in 2023, may be unable to finance its capital projects if it fails to reduce the cost of government and remove fuel subsidies, among other actions.

The minister stated further that the lack of money to fund capital projects would have an implication on the capacity to create jobs. He also added that poverty would increase in the country following the cessation of job creation.

He said, “I can tell you that Nigeria is broke. There is no money to fund capital projects next year. As you can see, the dollar that has been hovering around N500 and N600 is now above N700. The truth is that there is no money anywhere. The money that the FAAC (Federation Account Allocation Committee) has been sharing is money from taxes, customs, and other revenue-generating agencies. The National Nigerian Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) no longer remits money to FAAC. So, the situation calls for patriotism from all Nigerians.

Ngige added, “I have been Minister of Labour and Employment for seven years. Before, we negotiated with ASUU alone, which then suspended its strike. But NASU, SSANU and NAAT were still on strike. The non-teaching unions locked the classrooms and lecture theatres. They also shut down electricity and water supply to the universities, which almost led to outbreaks on those campuses.

The minister reiterating this fact emphasized that all the university-based unions on strike be involved in the negotiation as the negotiation with ASUU alone will not lead to the proper reopening of the universities.

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