NAAT Calls for Nationwide Protest Over Withheld Salaries Ahead of Strike
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has called for a nationwide protest on November 6 due to five months of withheld salaries, expressing frustration at the government's insensitivity.
Chris Oyeoku Okafor 
The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has issued a directive to its members to mobilize for a nationwide protest scheduled for November 6, in response to the ongoing issue of five months' withheld salaries. This decision comes as the association expresses frustration over the government's perceived insensitivity to their plight.
At a briefing held in Abuja, NAAT President Ibeji Nwokoma voiced the union's concerns, emphasizing the dire financial situation faced by its members. Nwokoma stated, “The government's failure to address our concerns is unacceptable, and we are left with no choice but to take to the streets to demand justice.”
In a related development, the Senior Staff Union of Universities (SSANU) and the Non-academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) are steadfast in their commitment to an indefinite strike that was initiated on Monday. This strike is aimed at pressuring the government to release four months' worth of withheld salaries.
During a compliance monitoring visit at Nasarawa State University, Keffi, NASU Deputy President and Chairman of the Universities and Inter-University Centres Trade Group Council, Buhari Sulieman, reaffirmed the unions' resolve. He stated that the strike would continue until the salaries are paid in full.
The unions have accused the Minister of Finance of failing to adhere to President Bola Tinubu's directive regarding the payment of withheld salaries from 2022. Tensions have been high since the unions launched their strike in 2022 over issues related to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), leading the government to adopt a no-work, no-pay policy that has exacerbated the situation.
As the protest date approaches, NAAT, SSANU, and NASU are urging all stakeholders to support their cause and advocate for the timely payment of salaries to all educational workers. The unions remain united in their demand for accountability and respect from the government regarding the financial welfare of academic staff.
