Workers at the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T) in Ibadan staged a protest on Monday, demanding the payment of their December 2024 salary.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the employees locked the institute’s main entrance, preventing vehicles from entering the premises.
Mr. Michael Agbaje, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities (SSANU), IAR&T branch, told NAN that the union had decided to make their plight known to the Federal Government.
Agbaje expressed frustration over the delay in the payment of the 2024 December salary, which he said had caused significant hardship for the workers.
He stated, “The protest will continue until we receive our December 2024 salary. We are sending a message to the Federal Government through the IAR&T management, urging them not to remain idle, but to take action in Abuja to expedite the payment. We have been informed that the payment is awaiting cash backing and approval at the Accountant-General’s office, and we urge the Accountant-General to act swiftly.”
Mr. Osadiya Adewumi, Chairman of the Non-Academic Staff Union (NASU) at IAR&T, expressed concern that the payment was taking longer than expected due to waiting for approval from the Accountant-General.
Adewumi recalled that the workers had been promised their December salary would be paid alongside the March 2025 salary, but this was not the case, and only the March salary had been paid.
“We suspect foul play, especially since the Director’s tenure is set to end by April, and she may want to leave the issue unresolved for her successor. She must ensure the payment is made before leaving office,” Adewumi added.
Adewumi also accused the Director of paying a Christmas bonus to selected workers while neglecting others.
Mr. Momoh Ismail, Chairman of the Senior Staff Association of Universities Teaching Hospital Research Institute and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAI), criticised IAR&T management for failing to resolve the matter.
Ismail stated that although the union had taken every possible step to secure the payment, the non-payment was an oversight that should have been corrected by now.
In response, IAR&T Director Prof. Veronica Obatolu explained that the issue was not exclusive to IAR&T, as eight other institutions were similarly affected.
She noted that she had travelled to Abuja multiple times to ensure the payment, and was surprised by accusations that she had not done enough, as the non-payment had also impacted her own salary.
Prof. Obatolu assured the workers that the funds for the payment were now available.
Regarding the allegation of selective Christmas bonuses, she clarified that only junior staff members, from levels one to six, were paid due to limited funds.
