The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve key issues or face an indefinite strike.
The union made the announcement during a peaceful protest in Borno State on Wednesday.
NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, expressed deep frustration over the Ministry of Finance’s refusal to release salaries that had been approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“The refusal by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy to effect this approval raises more questions than answers,” Nwokoma said. “It is unfortunate and regrettable.”
The union’s demands include the immediate payment of withheld salaries, full implementation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement, the settlement of Earned Allowances arrears, and significant upgrades to public university laboratories. “We cannot afford to delay any longer,” Nwokoma stressed.
Represented by Acting Chairman Yusuf Zangoma, NAAT has directed its branches to organise protests and congresses to mobilize members, if the government fails to meet the demands by November 13, 2024, the union will proceed with a national protest and strike.
Yusuf Bulus, NAAT’s National Internal Auditor, called on Nigerians and stakeholders to intervene. “The impact of a strike is immense on our students, but we don’t want it to come to that,” he warned.
This move follows similar pressure from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), which also issued a 14-day deadline for the government to resolve disputes over unpaid salaries and the renegotiation of their 2009 agreement.
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