By: Sunday Ameh
The Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP), Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo chapter, has suspended its industrial action and protest to allow fresh negotiations with the Ondo State Government over the implementation of the new minimum wage.
The decision was reached during an emergency congress of the union held at the Adekunle Ajasin Auditorium of the institution on Wednesday.
In a communiqué jointly signed by the Chairman of the union, Comrade Saka-Olokungboye Nurudeen, and the Secretary, Comrade Olanitori Olayemi, the union said the suspension of the protest became necessary following interventions by prominent stakeholders and the constitution of a government committee to address the lingering issues.
The union explained that the protest, which began on February 16, 2026, was triggered by the failure of the government and management to implement the series of minimum wages and consequential salary adjustments already being enjoyed by workers in other tertiary institutions across Ondo State.
According to the communiqué, members of the union extensively reviewed the situation affecting the institution and resolved to temporarily suspend the industrial action with immediate effect in order to create room for dialogue and renegotiation.
SSANIP, however, warned that it would resume the suspended industrial action if the N70,000 minimum wage is not implemented by the time June 2026 salaries are paid.
The communiqué read in part, “Congress agreed that at the payment of June 2026 salary, if Government/Management fails to implement the minimum wage of N70,000, SSANIP would be left with no other option than to resume the suspended industrial action.”
The union also urged the committee set up by the Ondo State Government to expedite action and conclude deliberations within a reasonable timeframe.
As part of resolutions reached during the congress, SSANIP constituted a five-man committee to work with the union’s executive committee in engaging the institution’s management on other pressing issues affecting workers.
The union stressed that the suspension of the protest should not be interpreted as a withdrawal of its demands, noting that the action was only aimed at allowing peaceful engagement with the appropriate authorities.
SSANIP further insisted that none of its members should be intimidated, victimised or punished for participating in the industrial protest.
The union called for wide publicity of the congress resolutions to ensure the public understands the reasons behind the suspension of the protest action.
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