The Nigerian union for academic technicians, the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), is planning nationwide protests on November 6, 2024, to denounce several months of unpaid salaries. The purpose of this protest is to apply pressure on the federal government to honor past agreements and address members’ concerns regarding working conditions. Academic technicians are calling for the Ministry of Finance to finally implement President Bola Tinubu’s directives to pay the overdue salaries.
In preparation for the protests, NAAT President Comrade Ibeji Nwokoma issued a two-week ultimatum to the government beginning on October 30, demanding action to meet their demands. In addition to the November 6 protests, a targeted action is scheduled for November 14 outside the Ministry of Finance in Abuja to increase the pressure.
According to Nwokoma, the frustration of NAAT members stems from unfulfilled promises despite repeated negotiations. The union accuses the Ministry of Finance of ignoring the presidential decision to regularize outstanding payments. If no response is provided by November 13, NAAT plans to extend the protests to an indefinite strike, threatening to disrupt the academic year and paralyze essential academic activities in the country.
