By Our Reporter
Staff at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) began an indefinite nationwide strike today, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum to management.
The decision to strike was confirmed after a congress of NAFDAC employees met on Friday, October 4, 2024, to discuss unresolved issues.
Under the directive of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), workers have been instructed to cease all services and vacate their offices, including the removal of personal belongings.
Key demands from the staff include a review and re-evaluation of the 2024 promotion examination results, which currently show a pass rate of only 35%. The union is advocating for a minimum benchmark of 80% for this year’s exams and future assessments. They are also calling for the settlement of salary arrears for employees hired in 2022, among other issues.
In a statement signed by the Association’s Secretary, Ejor Michael, the union criticized NAFDAC management for neglecting their grievances, labeling the inaction as intolerable.
The staff have pledged to continue their strike until all demands outlined in their communiqué are addressed.
As NAFDAC plays a crucial role in regulating Nigeria’s food, drug, and pharmaceutical industries, the agency is expected to experience significant operational disruptions due to the strike.
Attempts to reach NAFDAC management for a response to the strike were unsuccessful at the time of this report.