The Federal Government has released eight months’ allowance arrears owed to non-academic workers in federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, in a move aimed at addressing staff welfare concerns and preventing possible industrial action.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the release on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. The Consolidated Non-Academic Staff Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CONTA) covers the period from January to August 2026.
The announcement came shortly after the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) issued a 14-day ultimatum demanding payment of outstanding arrears linked to the 2026 agreement between the union and the Federal Government. The union had warned that failure to address its demands could lead to an indefinite strike.
Alausa said the release reflected the government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, maintaining industrial harmony and supporting the effective operation of tertiary institutions.
He also said the Ministry of Education would continue engaging unions, institutional leaders and other stakeholders to resolve outstanding issues affecting workers and the education sector.
SSANU President Mohammed Ibrahim welcomed the release, describing it as evidence that dialogue and timely government action could help protect workers’ welfare and reduce tensions in universities. He urged members to work with their respective university managements to ensure the funds are paid correctly.
However, Ibrahim said some financial issues remain unresolved. According to him, the government still owes members two months’ salaries withheld during the 2022 industrial action, as well as arrears linked to the 25 per cent and 35 per cent salary increases.
The latest payment follows the Federal Government’s earlier release of the Consolidated Academic Tertiary Institutions Allowance (CATA) for academic staff, also covering January to August 2026.
The government has appealed to university workers and their unions to continue engaging through dialogue as efforts continue to address outstanding welfare concerns and maintain stability across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.