The Plateau State chapter of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) has explained why its members marched passed government officials with downcast faces and hands placed on their heads during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Jos.
The State Chairman of NASU, Comrade Hyacinth Swamyil, who spoke on the sidelines of the event held at the Polo Field in Jos, said the symbolic display was a deliberate expression of workers’ dissatisfaction with the current economic realities and government policies.
According to him, the action was intended to send a strong message of displeasure to the government, noting that many workers are struggling to cope despite expectations that the removal of fuel subsidy would improve economic conditions.
“Workers are finding it very difficult to feed their families. Salaries can no longer sustain us. We had hoped that things would improve after subsidy removal, but that has not been the case,” he said.
Swamyil further accused the government of failing to meet workers’ expectations, adding that the situation has worsened living conditions for many public servants.
Explaining the reason behind placing their hands on their heads, the NASU Chairman pointed to ongoing disputes over salary adjustments in the university system.
He noted that while the Federal Government approved a 40 per cent salary increment for members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), negotiations involving non-academic staff have lingered for months, with the government proposing a 30 per cent increase.
“There is an issue of salary relativity. It is not fair for academic staff to receive 40 per cent while non-academic staff are offered 30 per cent. We all face the same harsh economic realities,” he said.
Swamyil stressed that NASU members are demanding equal treatment, insisting that the union would not suspend its ongoing strike until the government meets its demand for a 40 per cent salary increase.
“Our message is clear, we want equity. We are all Nigerians and we go to the same market. The disparity is unacceptable,” he added.
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