Kaduna JUTIKS: Strike Threat Over Unpaid Allowances

• The Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions of Kaduna State (JUTIKS) has issued a 15-day ultimatum, threatening an indefinite strike over unpaid allowances and welfare demands.
• Workers are demanding payment of outstanding 30% CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary, implementation of 25% and 35% wage allowances, and arrears from January 2026.
• Other key demands include a formal circular for a 65-year retirement age for non-teaching staff and `Academic Earned Allowance tax exemption Nigeria`.
• Over 5,000 workers across four Kaduna State-owned tertiary institutions are affected by the dispute.
• JUTIKS claims to have followed all labour law procedures and remains open to dialogue despite prior unanswered communications to the government.

The Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions of Kaduna State (JUTIKS) has issued a firm ultimatum, threatening an indefinite strike if the Kaduna State Government fails to address a comprehensive list of outstanding welfare demands within the next 15 days.

Workers across tertiary institutions owned by the Kaduna State Government are poised for an indefinite strike, following a 15-day ultimatum issued by the Joint Union of Tertiary Institutions of Kaduna State (JUTIKS). This significant development, announced on October 27, signals a potential widespread industrial action if the state government does not promptly address a series of long-standing welfare demands.

Comrade Usman Shehu Suleiman, chairman of JUTIKS, conveyed the union's position during a press conference held in Kaduna. He highlighted that the decision to issue the ultimatum stemmed from the government's failure to resolve critical issues affecting over 5,000 employees across four key institutions: Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria; College of Arts and Science, Zaria; School of Nursing, Kaduna; and College of Education, Gidan Waya. The union emphasizes that all necessary procedures under labour laws have been followed in reaching this critical juncture.

At the heart of the `Kaduna JUTIKS strike threat allowances` are several key financial and policy demands. The union is primarily seeking the payment of an outstanding 30 percent of the CONPCASS/CONTEDISS salary structure, which represents the remaining portion of a salary conversion from CONTISS to CONPCASS, where only 70 percent was initially implemented. This outstanding amount was reportedly promised by the governor for the first quarter of 2026, a commitment that remains unfulfilled.

Further demands include the implementation of approved wage allowances, specifically 25 percent and 35 percent, along with the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance (CATA) and Consolidated Non-Teaching Tool Allowance (CONTTA). The union also insists on the payment of all outstanding arrears for wage and tool allowances dating back to January 2026. A crucial non-financial demand is the formalization of a 65-year retirement age or 40 years of service for non-teaching staff through an official establishment circular, a policy announced by the governor last year but yet to be legally enacted. Additionally, JUTIKS is pushing for the `Academic Earned Allowance tax exemption Nigeria`, arguing that these allowances should not be subject to taxation.

The `Kaduna State government labour dispute` is rooted in agreements previously reached between the national leadership of various unions and the Federal Government concerning allowances for both academic and non-teaching staff. While the state government has initiated the implementation of some of these agreements, such as the payment of CATA following the governor's intervention, numerous issues remain unresolved, leading to the current `JUTIKS unpaid allowances Kaduna` crisis.

The union has documented its attempts to engage with the state government, having sent formal letters on September 9 and 30, 2026, seeking the implementation of these outstanding agreements. However, these communications reportedly received no response. Following this lack of engagement, joint congresses of the affiliate unions directed the leadership to issue the current ultimatum, asserting that all required labour law procedures have been meticulously observed. Despite the looming `Kaduna tertiary institutions industrial action`, JUTIKS has expressed its continued willingness to engage in dialogue with the government to find an amicable resolution and avert a complete breakdown of industrial harmony.

This `Kaduna JUTIKS strike threat allowances` represents a significant challenge for the Kaduna State Government, potentially disrupting tertiary education and impacting the livelihoods of thousands of workers. The dispute underscores the critical importance of adhering to collective bargaining agreements and ensuring timely implementation of approved welfare packages. Failure to address these demands could not only lead to an indefinite strike but also erode trust between the government and its workforce.

The situation highlights the legal and practical implications of unfulfilled promises and the necessity for robust dispute resolution mechanisms. For the state government, it necessitates a review of its compliance with existing labour agreements and a strategic approach to negotiation. For the union, it emphasizes the importance of following due process in industrial relations while advocating for its members' rights. The outcome of this dispute will set a precedent for future labour relations within Kaduna State's public sector.

This development signals a potential industrial dispute in Kaduna State, requiring legal counsel for both the government (employer) and the union (employees) regarding labour law compliance, negotiation strategies, and the legality of the impending strike. Lawyers should advise on the implications of non-compliance with existing agreements and the procedural requirements for resolving industrial disputes under Nigerian labour law.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Trust.