The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued a stern demand to the Federal Government of Nigeria, calling for the immediate payment of withheld salaries spanning several months, alongside other outstanding entitlements owed to its members. The union’s leadership, in a strongly worded statement released yesterday, expressed frustration over the government’s failure to honor commitments made to university technologists, warning that industrial action could follow if their demands remain unmet.
NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Sunday, highlighted the plight of academic technologists who have endured significant financial hardship due to the non-payment of salaries withheld during previous industrial disputes. “Our members have been patient for far too long. The government promised to address these issues, yet we are still waiting for action. We demand the immediate release of three and a half months of withheld salaries, alongside 12-month arrears of the 25% and 35% salary increments, wage awards, and occupational hazard allowances,” Nwokoma declared.
The union’s grievances stem from a prolonged standoff with the government, exacerbated by what NAAT describes as selective payment practices. While some university-based unions received partial disbursements of their withheld salaries last year, NAAT members remain unpaid, a disparity the union deems unjust. “We are not asking for favors; we are demanding what is rightfully ours. Our members worked tirelessly to ensure students graduated despite the disruptions, yet the government continues to withhold their dues,” Nwokoma added.
Beyond salary concerns, NAAT also called for systemic improvements in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. The union urged the release of an enabling circular to implement CONTISS 14 and 15 salary scales for academic technologists, a promise dating back to a 2017 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Additionally, NAAT emphasized the need for urgent upgrades to university laboratories, pointing to outdated equipment and inadequate infrastructure that hinder research and learning.
The association’s demands come amid broader economic challenges in Nigeria, including recent telecom tariff hikes and delays in salary payments linked to the transition from the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) to the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS). NAAT has aligned itself with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in rejecting these policies, arguing that they worsen the financial burdens on workers.
In its statement, NAAT appealed to key government bodies—including the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Budget Office of the Federation, and the Office of the Accountant General—to streamline payroll processes for timely and accurate disbursements. “The inefficiencies in these systems are unacceptable. Our members deserve better,” Nwokoma stressed.
The union’s latest outcry follows a series of ultimatums issued over the past year, including a 21-day strike notice in October 2024 and a nationwide protest in November 2024, both of which yielded little response from the government. With patience wearing thin, NAAT has hinted at escalating its actions. “We have pursued diplomacy, but if this fails, we will have no choice but to mobilize our members across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education for decisive action,” Nwokoma warned.
As the clock ticks, the standoff between NAAT and the Federal Government threatens to disrupt academic activities nationwide. Stakeholders, including students, parents, and traditional leaders, have been urged to intervene to avert a crisis. For now, all eyes are on the government’s next move as Nigeria’s academic technologists stand firm in their demand for justice and fair treatment.
