The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has initiated an indefinite strike starting Monday, October 7, 2024, representing the workers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). This strike is in response to longstanding unresolved staff welfare concerns.
Key issues at the heart of the strike include demands for the review of the 2024 promotion examination results, appointments for key director positions in public affairs and special duties, reforms to the promotion exam content, and the establishment of a psychology officer cadre in line with a directive from the Head of Service (HOS). Additional concerns raised by the union include the payment of pending burial expenses, life insurance, repatriation allowances, and the settlement of salary arrears for employees hired in 2022.
In a statement from TUC Secretary Ejor Michael, it was noted that the workers had issued a 14-day ultimatum to NAFDAC management in a communique dated September 20, 2024. Following the expiration of this ultimatum, a NAFDAC staff congress convened on October 4, where the decision to proceed with an indefinite nationwide strike was unanimously approved.
“After careful deliberation, Congress unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, 7th October 2024,” the statement declared.
The union expressed its frustration over NAFDAC management’s failure to address the critical issues highlighted in the communique within the specified timeframe. Consequently, the union directed all workers to withdraw their services and vacate NAFDAC premises during the strike period.
“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 statement emphasized.
SSASCGOC has also instructed state and zonal coordinators to ensure full compliance with the strike order, underscoring that the industrial action will continue until all demands are satisfactorily met. “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