The Federal Government is in a frantic effort to avert another crippling strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), according to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha. Speaking during her 17th annual free medical outreach in Isuochi, Abia State, which took place from 16th-19th October 2024, Onyejeocha expressed confidence that the government is making significant progress to resolve ASUU’s grievances and avoid another shutdown of tertiary institutions.
ASUU recently issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to pay the four months’ salary arrears owed from the 2020 strike. The union is also demanding the removal of its members from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll System (IPPS), insisting on a switch to the University Transparency and Accountability System (UTAS), as well as payment of earned allowances.
Onyejeocha assured that negotiations were ongoing and that an agreement with ASUU was within reach. “For the ASUU strike, it’s being sorted out, and I know very soon, those issues will be resolved,” she said. She also revealed that the government is actively engaging with Organized Labour to prevent a looming nationwide strike.
“We met with the NLC leadership on Wednesday and had fruitful discussions. We made it clear that the government is working hard to address the issues, but some tough decisions must be made,” Onyejeocha added.
The Minister passionately defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s economic reforms, explaining that while the current hardships may be severe, they are necessary for long-term recovery. Onyejeocha dismissed criticism of the government, urging Nigerians to be patient and see the reforms as a way to rebuild the nation.
“The challenges we’re facing are the result of years of inaction by previous administrations. President Tinubu has said that this haemorrhage must stop. We cannot continue with subsidies that drain our resources. We must fix this now to ensure a better future,” she stated.
Onyejeocha criticized past governments, claiming that Nigeria’s reliance on borrowing to pay subsidies was unsustainable. “From Obasanjo’s era, subsidies were funded with loans. It’s like spending what we don’t have. How long can that continue? Now is the time to correct these wrongs so we can unlock the blessings of this country,” she argued.
She also stressed the importance of revamping the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), saying the goal is to restore the corporation’s profitability to fund the federal budget. “Once NNPC stands on its feet, all the complaints about hunger will be a thing of the past,” she assured.
Onyejeocha emphasized that the government is intensifying efforts to address insecurity, particularly to encourage farmers to return to their farmlands and boost food production. “With security restored, farmers can resume their activities, and food will become more available and affordable,” she noted.
The Minister urged Nigerians to set aside political differences and rally behind President Tinubu’s administration. “This is not the time for blame games. The President asked for this job and is ready to make the tough calls. Let’s come together and move the country forward,” she appealed.
She warned that continued focus on political party divisions would only hinder national progress, adding, “If we keep talking about party politics, we risk plunging into disaster. Right now, APC is focused on fixing the economy.”
Meanwhile, during the free medical outreach sponsored by Onyejeocha, a team of 40 healthcare professionals—including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, optometrists, and lab scientists—attended to a large crowd of patients in Amuda Isuochi.
The team lead, Dr. Humble Chimaobi, praised the Minister for her commitment to healthcare and revealed that the team was working tirelessly to meet its target of 120 patients and 100 surgeries daily.
“This outreach is making a real difference. The Minister’s support has enabled us to bring quality healthcare to those who need it most,” Chimaobi said.
Onyejeocha promised to continue sponsoring similar initiatives, ensuring that underprivileged Nigerians have access to life-saving healthcare. “This is my way of giving back to society, and I will keep doing it for as long as I can,” she pledged.
Despite the economic hardships and labour tensions, Onyejeocha’s message was one of hope and resilience. “The path may be tough now, but brighter days are ahead. Together, we can rebuild Nigeria and achieve prosperity for all,” she concluded.
