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 withheld salaries. If their demands are not met, NAAT members will withdraw their services in universities.
This deadline was established during NAAT’s 56th National Executive Council meeting, which took place in Taraba State. In a letter addressed to the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, the association’s President warned that the union would hold the government responsible if no action is taken by the expiration of the ultimatum on September 30.
The letter, titled “Notice of 21-Day Ultimatum to Embark on Industrial Action,” was also sent to key stakeholders, including the Nigeria Labour Congress and the National Universities Commission.
NAAT outlined several pressing issues in the letter, emphasizing the government’s failure to fulfill promises regarding salary payments, despite a presidential directive issued over five months ago. The union also listed other outstanding matters, including payment of minimum wage arrears for omitted members, salary increase arrears, and concerns over inadequate infrastructure and obsolete equipment in universities.
The union made it clear that without satisfactory results after the ultimatum, industrial action will commence without further notice. NAAT previously initiated an industrial strike from March to August 2022, but claims that unresolved issues remain despite reaching agreements with the government.
NAAT highlighted ongoing financial constraints affecting laboratory and workshop upgrades and criticized the Federal Government for invoking the “No-Work-No-Pay” policy, which they rejected. There are growing concerns that while other unions have received compensation for withheld salaries, NAAT members continue to wait for payment.
