Nigerian technologists threaten indefinite strike over unpaid salaries, outstanding emoluments

Following a peaceful protest held at the University of Maiduguri, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the federal government to address its outstanding demands. 

The union has warned that failure to respond positively by November 13 will lead to a nationwide protest and indefinite strike to press for payment of withheld salaries, earned allowances, and other critical issues.

NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, who gave the ultimatum on Wednesday, expressed frustration at Finance Minister Wale Edun’s refusal to release salaries that have already been approved by President Bola Tinubu. 

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Mr Nwokoma, represented by Mr Yusuf Zangoma, Acting Chairman of the NAAT branch at the University of Maiduguri, described the delay as “unfortunate and regrettable,” questioning the government’s commitment to addressing the grievances of members.

Pending demands and call for accountability

The union’s demands include the immediate release of withheld salaries, full implementation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement, payment of arrears for Earned Allowances, and an upgrade of laboratory facilities in public universities. These issues, according to NAAT, are critical for sustaining practical education, research, and laboratory standards across Nigeria’s higher institutions.

“The refusal by the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to effect this approval raises more questions than answers on the true commitment and sincerity on the part of the Federal Government in resolving the issues and in alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians, particularly NAAT members,” Mr Nwokoma said. 

His statement sums up the union’s concerns over transparency and accountability within the government’s approach to resolving the long-standing issues affecting academic technologists.

Nationwide protests planned in solidarity

NAAT has directed all its branches to hold protests and congress meetings to raise awareness of the union’s demands and gather member support. 

Should the government fail to meet these demands within the specified timeline, NAAT will escalate its actions to a national protest and an indefinite strike.

This ultimatum coincides with similar demands from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which also issued a 14-day notice to resolve outstanding issues, including releasing withheld salaries and finalising the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement. The overlapping grievances underscore a growing concern over the government’s handling of agreements and promises made to Nigeria’s academic unions.

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Appeal for intervention to prevent academic disruption

NAAT National Internal Auditor Yusuf Bulus called on well-meaning Nigerians and key stakeholders to intervene to prevent disruptions to the academic calendar. He noted that a prolonged strike would negatively impact research, practical teaching, and laboratory practices critical to the academic ecosystem.

According to Mr Bulus, “We seek intervention from well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders to resolve these issues and avoid disrupting the academic calendar, research, practical teaching, and laboratory practices.”

As the deadline nears, NAAT’s demands highlight significant issues within the education sector, signalling potential disruptions if urgent action is not taken.