Workers at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, took to the streets on Wednesday to protest the non-payment of their December and January salaries.
The demonstration, held within the institute’s premises, was attended by members and leaders of key staff unions, including the Non-Academic Staff of Universities (NASU), the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT), and the Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes, and Allied Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI).
Workers Decry Hardship, Demand Urgent Action
Addressing journalists during the protest, SSANU Chairman, Comrade Agbaje Michael, stated that the demonstration was a call to the Federal Government to urgently address their salary concerns. He lamented that despite letters sent to the Ministry, no concrete action had been taken.
“Our protest is to let the management know that we are suffering and for them to expedite actions. Although they told us they have written letters to the ministry, that is not enough,” Agbaje said.
Also, NASU Chairman, Osadiya Adewumi, decried the hardship faced by workers due to the salary delay.
He described the festive season as a “black Christmas and New Year” for IAR&T employees, many of whom struggled to afford basic necessities.
“There was no money to buy drugs for those on medication and their elderly families among the workers,” Adewumi said.
He further urged the institute’s management to personally visit Abuja to ensure the matter is resolved, warning that failure to do so could prompt NASU headquarters in Abuja to take immediate action.
“Our people are trekking to work daily. If nothing is done soon, we will have no choice but to embark on a ‘no pay, no work’ strategy,” he added.
Federal Government’s Wage Increment Claim Rejected
A National Executive Member of NASU, Comrade Oladeinde Emmanuel, noted that the protest would have been held earlier but workers decided to give the management time to resolve the issue. However, their patience had worn thin.
He also dismissed the Federal Government’s claim that the wage increment was responsible for the delay, arguing that other research institutions had received their salaries.
IAR&T Management Appeals for Calm
In response to the workers’ grievances, IAR&T Executive Director, Prof. Veronica Obatolu, acknowledged the difficulties faced by staff and assured them that efforts were underway to resolve the issue.
She suggested that the non-payment might have been due to an omission in processing the December salaries, stating that the Federal Ministry of Finance has been notified and is working on it.
“The management has been to Abuja to lodge complaints and has also written letters to the necessary authorities,” Obatolu said.
While appealing for calm, she urged the workers to remain committed to their duties, assuring them that the matter would soon be resolved.
“I am sure the Ministry and the Federal Government are aware, and work is ongoing to address the issue,” she assured.
