NAFDAC workers halt operations amid alleged promotion disputes, welfare

NAFDAC workers halt operations amid alleged promotion disputes, welfare

The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress representing the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has begun an indefinite strike due to the management’s failure to address several issues regarding the welfare of its members.

In a communiqué (SSASCGOC/NAFDAC/COMMUNIQUE/VOL.1) issued on October 4, 2024, the aggrieved workers stated that this action was necessary after multiple meetings with management regarding critical issues related to promotions, salaries, and the overall welfare of staff failed to yield positive results.

The communiqué listed several concerns, including: the review of 2024 promotion examination results, appointment of directors for Public Affairs/Special Duties, training institute, North West and North East extractions, reform of promotion examination content, timely disclosure of APER/PER/KPI scores, resolution of tied promotion examination scores, qualification and conversion criteria for promotion examinations, creation of a Psychology Officer Cadre in accordance with the HOS circular, relocation of the Danida Fellowship, centralization of training to PRS, payment of all pending burial expenses, life insurance and repatriation allowance, and salary arrears for 2022 employees, among others.

A statement attached to the communiqué instructed the workers to begin the indefinite strike starting Monday. It was signed by the Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade (Dr.) Ejor Michael.

The press release stated, “This is to notify all staff that, following the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued to management in the communiqué of September 20, 2024, and the management’s dithering regarding the issues raised therein, another Congress of NAFDAC staff was convened on Friday, October 4, 2024.”

“After careful deliberation, Congress unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, October 7, 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 communiqué within the given time frame. The Congress considers this ongoing inaction insufferable and emphasizes that the industrial action will continue unabated until all demands specified in the communiqué 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.”