NAFDAC Workers Begin Strike Over Welfare, Promotion

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 several unresolved staff welfare concerns.

The key issues include reviewing 2024 promotion exam results, appointing directors for public affairs/special duties and a training institute, and reforming promotion examination content.

Additional demands involve creating a psychology officer cadre, paying pending burial expenses, purchasing life insurance, paying a repatriation allowance, and settling 2022 salary arrears.

The secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ejor Michael, said in a statement that the decision to strike follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 20, 2024, after the agency’s management failed to address these grievances.

Despite a congress held on October 4, where further deliberation occurred, no resolution was reached, prompting the nationwide strike starting October 7, 2024, the statement added.

The union has instructed all staff to halt services, remove personal belongings, and ensure no one enters NAFDAC offices during the strike. They emphasised the strike would persist until all demands are met

“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 preceding, you are now directed to down tools by withdrawing all your services in compliance with the strike action.

“This decision results from 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 emphasises 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 now 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.”