The staff of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has commenced an indefinite nationwide strike today, after the 14-day ultimatum expiration issued to management. This development to down tools was confirmed following a congress of NAFDAC staff convened on 4th October 2024 over unresolved issues. Under the directive of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies SSASCGOC, the striking workers have been instructed to withdraw all services and vacate offices. They were also ordered to remove personal belongings as the strike began.
The demands of the staff include a review and re-evaluation of the 2024 promotion examination results, which currently reflect a pass rate of just 35%.
The union is pushing for a minimum benchmark of 80% for this year and future exams. Another key demand is the settlement of salary arrears for employees hired in 2022 among other
The communique signed by the Secretary of the Association, Comrade Ejor Michael, directed the workers to commence the indefinite strike on Monday, October 7.
Michael noted that the strike was necessary after several meetings with the management over critical issues concerning promotions, salaries, and the general welfare of the staff, failed to yield positive results.
He stated: “This is to notify all staff that, following the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued to Management in the Communique of September 20, 2024, and the dithering of Management regarding the issues raised therein, another Congress of NAFDAC Staff was convened on Friday, 4th October 2024.
“After careful deliberation, Congress unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, 7th October 2024. In view of the foregoing, you are hereby directed to down tools by withdrawing all your services in compliance with the strike action.
“This decision is a result of NAFDAC Management’s failure to address the critical issues outlined in the Communique within the given time frame. The Congress considers this ongoing inaction insufferable and accentuates that the industrial action will continue unabated until all demands specified in the Communique are fully met.
“In light of this, all staff are advised to remove their personal belongings from their offices, as no one, no matter the rank or cadre, will be allowed entry into any NAFDAC Office (premises) during the strike period.
“SSASCGOC State and Zonal Coordinators are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive. Dear Comrades, your cooperation is greatly treasured to ensure the effectiveness of this indefinite nationwide strike action.
“We will not relent until all issues are satisfactorily addressed.”