The National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) has on Wednesday issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate action on its pending demands or face an indefinite strike.

NAAT President, Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma, announced this decision on Wednesday during a peaceful protest at the University of Maiduguri, Borno state.

Nwokoma expressed disappointment at the Finance Minister’s refusal to pay withheld salaries, despite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval.

He described the situation as “unfortunate and regrettable” and questioned the government’s commitment to resolving issues affecting NAAT members.

According to him,”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 Federal Government in resolving the issues and in alleviating the sufferings of Nigerians, particularly NAAT members.”

Nwokoma represented by the Unimaid NAAT Acting Chairman, Yusuf Zangoma who stated that NAAT’s demands include payment of withheld salaries, full implementation of the 2009 FGN/NAAT Agreement, payment of arrears of Earned Allowances, and upgrade of public universities’ laboratories.

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The union has directed its branches to hold protests and congresses. If the government fails to respond positively by November 13, 2024, NAAT will embark on a national protest and indefinite strike.

This is not an isolated incident, as the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has also given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to resolve lingering issues, including the conclusion of the renegotiation of the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and release of withheld salaries due to the 2022 strike.

Also speaking, the NAAT National Internal Auditor, Yusuf Bulus stated that NAAT seeks intervention from well-meaning Nigerians and stakeholders to resolve these issues and avoid disrupting the academic calendar, research, practical teaching, and laboratory practices.

“The negative repercussion of strike is immense on our students, but we don’t want to get to that point” he warned.