NAFDAC Staff Commence Indefinite Strike

The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies, SSASCGOC, an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress, TUC, of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has commenced an indefinite strike over unresolved issues related to staff welfare.

The strike, which began on Monday, 7th October 2024, was triggered by several demands, including the review of the 2024 promotion examination results, the appointment of directors for Public Affairs/Special Duties, the NAFDAC Training Institute, and the reform of the promotion examination content.

Other issues raised by the workers include the creation of a psychology officer cadre in line with a circular from the Head of Service, the payment of outstanding burial expenses, life insurance, and repatriation allowances, as well as salary arrears owed to staff employed in 2022.

In a statement issued by the TUC Secretary, Ejor Michael, it was revealed that the workers had earlier given NAFDAC’s management a 14-day ultimatum to address the listed grievances.

The ultimatum, which was communicated through a communique dated 20th September 2024, expired without the desired response from the management.

Following the expiration of the ultimatum, a congress of NAFDAC staff was convened on 4th October 2024, where it was unanimously agreed that the workers should embark on an indefinite nationwide strike.

“After careful deliberation, Congress unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, 7th October 2024,” the statement reads.

“Given 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,” the statement concluded.

As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from NAFDAC management regarding the strike action.