The non-teaching staff of polytechnics have lamented the irregular payment of salaries by some state governments.

The workers under the aegis of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) said some of them are owed between 30 to 32 months salaries while some receive half salaries in some state-owned polytechnics.

According to SSANIP, College of Technology, Esa-Oke, Osun State and Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State are owing its members 30 months half salary arrears.

The union said haphazard payment of salaries were ongoing in Abia State Polytechnic (32 months unpaid salaries), Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo (over 11 months unpaid salaries).

SSANIP implored concerned authorities to endeavour to do the needful for the sake of the well-being of workers in these institutions to ensure a more committed and dedicated workforce.

The union said this in a communique issued on Saturday at the end of its quarterly General Executive Council in Abuja.

The communique, which was signed by SSANIP President, Adebanjo Ogunsipe, and National Secretary, Hussaini Yusuf Gwandu, reads in part: “Council-in-Session noted the condition of non-payment of 30 months half salary arrears in State Polytechnics in Osun State (College of Technology, Esa-Oke, Osun State and Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Osun State).

Read Also; Electricity workers threaten to shut national grid

“Of equal concern was the reported cases of haphazard payment of salaries in Abia State Polytechnic, Aba, Abia (32 months unpaid salaries), Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi and Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo, Ondo (over 11 months unpaid salaries) States.

“Council resolved to implore concerned authorities to endeavour to do the needful for the sake of the well-being of workers in these institutions and a more committed and dedicated workforce.”

SSANIP also lamented the non-payment of the 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 promotion arrears to workers in Federal Polytechnics.

It noted that the continued delay in the payment of these arrears was inimical to cordial industrial relations.

It therefore resolved that the issue of delayed payment of promotion arrears be addressed in earnest and with utmost priority as a cursor to industrial harmony.

The union also urged the Federal Government to release the N15bn revitalisation Fund for polytechnics while urging the government to take actions aimed at directly improving the lot of polytechnic education in the country.

SSANIP said it was disturbed at the continued non-response of the Federal Government to the non-payment of arrears of CONTISS 15 after many appeals and correspondences on the subject-matter.

“Council therefore, resolved that a continued disregard for the payment of these arrears would be a potential recipe for industrial dispute in the nearest future.”