NEWS
Abia Government Resolves ABSU-ASUU Strike as Otti-Approved Welfare Package Takes Effect
The Abia State Government has announced the resolution of all issues that led to the recent industrial action embarked upon by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Abia State University, Uturu chapter, following the intervention of the administration of Governor Alex Otti.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed the development on Monday, August 24, 2026, while briefing pressmen at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.
Prince Kanu explained that the industrial action was triggered by concerns bordering on staff welfare, including the payment of outstanding check-off dues and other salary-related matters affecting members of the union.
He, however, revealed that the concerns raised by the academic staff had already received the approval of Governor Otti as far back as April 2026, but the implementation of the approvals was delayed by administrative processes.
According to the Commissioner, the Governor moved swiftly to ensure that the lingering issues did not persist, directing the committee led by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, last week to resolve all outstanding matters within 48 hours.
The intervention, he said, has now yielded the desired result, with the outstanding check-off dues already paid and a new salary scale, alongside relevant academic and related allowances, processed for payment with the August 2026 salary.
Prince Kanu further disclosed that the new salary scale for other categories of staff of Abia State University had equally been processed and would be reflected in their August salaries.
He said the successful intervention of the SSG-led committee had effectively brought an end to the issues responsible for the strike, clearing the path for the restoration of normal academic activities at the institution.
“In particular, outstanding check-off dues have been paid and a new salary scale, consolidating academic, student teaching, allowance and other related payments have been addressed and will be paid with the August 2026 salary on the affected workers.
“And the August salary of those workers is expected to drop any time soon, maybe by this week.
“The new salary scale for other staff at the Abia State University have also been processed and will be paid in this month, this August.
“Consequently, it is safe to assume that all the issues regarding the action by ASUU have been concluded and resolved,” the commissioner stated.
The Commissioner described the development as another clear demonstration of the commitment of the Alex Otti administration to the welfare of workers and the peaceful resolution of industrial disputes through dialogue and constructive engagement.
He noted that the Governor’s immediate directive for the matter to be resolved within 48 hours, despite having granted the necessary approvals months earlier, underscored his responsiveness to legitimate concerns raised by workers.
Prince Kanu said the administration would continue to maintain open channels of communication with ASUU and other organised labour unions, stressing that workers’ welfare remains a major priority of the state government.
“This development further demonstrates His Excellency’s regard for workers’ welfare.
“The Governor’s immediate directive that the matter be resolved within 48 hours, even though the necessary approvals have already been granted in April, is a clear demonstration of the Governor’s responsiveness to legitimate workers’ concerns.
“This administration remains committed to constructive engagements with ASUU and other organized labour unions, while ensuring that workers’ welfare remains a priority of the administration,” Prince Kanu said.
With the payment of the outstanding check-off dues, the processing of the new salary structure and the resolution of other related welfare concerns, the Abia State Government expressed confidence that the industrial dispute involving the ASUU chapter of Abia State Univer
sity has been conclusively resolved.