In a significant development aimed at resolving the ongoing strike by non-academic university staff, the Federal Government has released funds to settle the long-overdue salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU).

The funds will also cover outstanding pension payments for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.

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Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, confirmed the release in a statement on Saturday.

Mokwa stated that payments to NASU members have commenced, with numerous staff already confirming receipt of the funds.

The move comes after members of NASU and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), operating under a Joint Action Committee, began an indefinite strike last Monday in protest over the withheld salaries.

The strike brought federal universities across the country to a standstill, with various academic and administrative services halted.

Several other unions and universities expressed support for the protest, amplifying calls for the funds’ immediate release.

Tensions between the union leadership and the federal government had escalated in recent days, despite a directive from President Bola Tinubu for payments to be made.

On Wednesday, SSANU leaders expressed frustration, stating that many top university officials, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, had yet to receive the outstanding salaries, further straining relations.

SSANU leadership vowed to keep university facilities shut until all owed salaries are fully disbursed.

“We will not resume activities in our universities until every last outstanding payment has been made,” SSANU leaders warned in a statement.

In his official statement, Mokwa reassured all concerned parties that the government has fulfilled its commitment to fund these payments, which he called “a priority move to alleviate the financial strain on university staff and retirees.”

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has alleged that the collapse of six suspects in court was a deliberate act intended to attract negative attention to law enforcement efforts.

The six individuals, part of a group of 76 mostly minor suspects facing charges related to the #EndBadGovernance protest, collapsed in the courtroom on Friday.

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Egbetokun, however, underscored that medical aid was promptly provided, highlighting the police’s commitment to the welfare of individuals in custody.

In a statement dated November 1 and signed by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP affirmed that under Nigerian law, individuals who reach the age of criminal responsibility are held accountable for their actions, irrespective of age.

“Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to attract negative attention,” Egbetokun said.

“Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.”

Recall that the court granted bail for each minor at N10 million, sparking criticism both domestically and internationally.

The arraigned individuals, many of whom appeared malnourished, are facing a series of grave charges including terrorism, arson, treasonable felony, and other allegations related to the destruction of public property and threats to national security.

The IGP emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) remains committed to balancing justice with compassion, noting that the Force has adhered to legal procedures to ensure fairness.

“The NPF has rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law,” he said.

“Throughout this process, the Police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions.”

In his statement, Egbetokun urged the public to avoid bias and pledged transparency throughout the legal proceedings.

“The NPF acknowledges public interest in this case and assures the public that our officers will maintain professionalism throughout the legal process.

“The public is encouraged to view this case without undue bias, as the Force remains focused on a transparent pursuit of justice.”

The police chief added that the Force is committed to aligning with international standards in justice, drawing comparisons to legal practices in countries like the United Kingdom, where young individuals facing serious charges are held accountable, though with empathy and respect for human rights.

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has approved N9.8 billion for the rehabilitation of key roads and facilities at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

The contract has been awarded to Julius Berger Plc, following the decision made during the FCTA’s 9th Executive Council meeting, held Friday at the FCT Secretariat.

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The Executive Secretary of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Shehu Ahmad, who spoke to the press after the meeting on Friday, confirmed that the contract, valued at N9,874,326,036.10, includes a completion deadline of six months.

Ahmad noted that Julius Berger, which had previously managed the facility, will lead the comprehensive rehabilitation effort, addressing multiple critical areas within the Presidential Wing.

“The second memo presented by the FCDA concerns some rehabilitation work, specifically the construction of the existing link road from Bill Clinton Drive to the Presidential Wing.

“If you have travelled that road, you would know it is in a state of disrepair, and other facilities within the Presidential Wing have shown signs of distress and dilapidation, so they are to be rehabilitated,” Ahmad explained.

“There is a presidential kitchen located within the Presidential Wing, but there is no access road from the main road to this area. We plan to provide that road and also rehabilitate the hangar housing the presidential aircraft.”

Additional upgrades are expected to include the Presidential Wing’s runway lights and a guest house designed as a holding center for visiting presidents and dignitaries.

Ahmad emphasized that the improvements would modernize infrastructure vital to the Presidential Wing’s operations.

In addition to the airport rehabilitation project, the Council approved a series of infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing Abuja’s road network.

Among these is a N7.8 billion contract to construct an access road to the new site of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Giri.

The contract was awarded to Levant Construction Limited, with a nine-month deadline for completion.

Other infrastructure projects approved include a N7.22 billion contract awarded to Planet Projects Limited for constructing access roads to Kugbo and Mabushi Bus/Taxi Terminals, expected to be completed within 12 weeks.

Additionally, Austlinks Energy Services Limited received a contract valued at N2.19 billion for the design and construction of ten staff quarters for the Nigeria Law School in Bwari, with a completion period of nine months.