Staff of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC have commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday,October7, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to management.
This industrial action has crippled operations of NAFDAC formations across the country.
The decision to down tool was confirmed after a congress of NAFDAC staff convened on Friday, October 4, 2024, to address unresolved issues.
The striking workers, under the directive of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies SSASCGOC, have been instructed to withdraw all services and vacate offices, with orders to remove personal belongings as the strike begins.
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 others
In a statement signed by Comrade Ejor Michael, the Secretary of the Association, the union accused NAFDAC management of ignoring their grievances, calling the inaction “insufferable.”
The staff have vowed to continue the strike until all demands outlined in their communiqué are met.
NAFDAC, which plays a critical role in regulating Nigeria’s food, drug, and pharmaceutical industries, is expected to face significant operational disruptions as a result of the industrial action.