The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the payment of five and a half months of unpaid salaries and other requests. Failure to meet these demands will result in members withdrawing their services in universities.
This ultimatum was part of the decisions made during NAAT’s 56th National Executive Council meeting held in Taraba State.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, signed by NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma, the association cautioned that it would not be held accountable if their various demands are not addressed by the end of the ultimatum, which began on September 30.
The letter, titled “Notice of 21-Day Ultimatum to Embark on Industrial Action,” was also sent to the Nigeria Labour Congress and the National Universities Commission.
The letter stated: “The leadership of the National Association of Academic Technologists wishes to draw your attention to the above subject matter.
“Arising from the 56th National Executive Council meeting held at the Federal University of Wukari on Wednesday, September 25, and Thursday, September 26, 2024, the union is compelled to issue this notice of a three-week ultimatum due to the government’s failure to fulfill the promises and assurances made regarding the payment of the five and a half months of withheld salaries of NAAT members, even after a presidential directive was issued over five months ago.”
The union outlined several additional outstanding issues, which include: the payment of minimum wage arrears owed to omitted NAAT members from April 2019 to January 2020; the settlement of arrears related to the 25% and 35% salary increases for the period from January to December 2023; as well as concerns regarding inadequate infrastructure, deteriorating laboratories, outdated workshops, and obsolete equipment.
“The honourable minister is to note that upon the expiration of the three-week ultimatum, and without any positive results from the government, the union will be forced to commence industrial action without further notice,” the union said.
It is important to note that NAAT launched an industrial action on March 21, 2022, which concluded in August 2022 following a series of meetings led by the then Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu. This culminated in a resolution dated August 17, 2022.
The association expressed disappointment that the issues prompting the strike remain unresolved by the Federal Government, despite the agreements reached, including the incomplete renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement.
NAAT has also raised concerns about the insufficient funding for upgrading laboratories, workshops, and studios in public universities, as well as the presence of outdated equipment.
A statement issued by NAAT’s President conveyed that “It is important to note that the Federal Government invoked the ‘No-Work-No-Pay’ policy, which NAAT rejected, as all due processes outlined in the Trade Union Act were followed.
“This led to our members being owed five and a half months’ salary. Despite all efforts to resolve the issues peacefully through dialogue, the Federal Government has not paid the withheld salaries, despite promises made by government representatives and a presidential directive.
“In March 2024, a sister union was paid four months’ arrears of withheld salaries, while NAAT members were not compensated.”
