FG Moves To Prevent Strike As Agreement Is Reached With Academic Technologists

The Federal Government has reached an agreement with the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) to prevent a planned nationwide strike.

The deal came after a conciliation meeting in Abuja led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, involving representatives from various government ministries and NAAT leaders.

NAAT had earlier issued a 21-day ultimatum, warning of a possible industrial action over unresolved demands. These demands included unpaid allowances, withheld salaries, and a long-pending review of a 2009 agreement between the union and the Federal Government.

As part of the agreement, a technical committee was formed to look into the union’s major grievances. This includes the mainstreaming of several allowances such as Field Trip, Student Technologist Staff Ratio, SWEP, and call duty allowances. The committee has representatives from the Budget Office, Office of the Accountant General, the National Universities Commission (NUC), Federal Ministry of Education, and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. NAAT is also part of the committee, which has been given two weeks to complete its work.

The committee will also handle the issue of withheld salaries—specifically the three and a half months not paid to members—as well as pending third-party deductions. It is also expected to address arrears of Occupational Hazard and Responsibility Allowances, some of which date back up to 11 months.

The meeting also looked into NAAT’s demand for the release of N50 billion to clear outstanding claims for earned allowances. While no firm timeline was given, the Ministry of Labour was tasked with following up with the Ministry of Education to push for supplementary payments.

In addition, the issue of omitted NAAT members in the 2019 minimum wage adjustment was handed over to the same committee, which will also address arrears linked to the recent 35% and 25% salary increment.

Another key matter discussed was the long-delayed renegotiation of the 2009 agreement. The Ministry of Labour will now push the Ministry of Education to speed up the process. On career progression issues, especially the lack of circulars needed to upgrade academic technologists to CONTISS levels 14 and 15, the Ministry of Labour will write to the Head of Civil Service to act quickly.

There were also complaints about the refusal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University management to recognise the legitimate NAAT branch leadership and remit check-off dues. The Ministry of Labour is expected to write the university and demand a report within a week.

All parties agreed to reconvene in three weeks to assess progress and review the committee’s report. Signatories to the agreement included officials from the NUC, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labour, and top leaders of NAAT. The resolution is seen as a step forward in addressing longstanding labour issues in the academic sector.