NAFDAC staff down tools over alleged promotion controversies, welfare

Senior workers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have embarked on an indefinite strike over alleged controversies over promotion and welfare.

The Senior Staff Association Of Statutory Corporations And Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of NAFDAC downed tools in a communique SSASCGOC/NAFDAC/COMMUNIQUE/VOL.1 issued on Friday, October 4, 2024.

According to aggrieved senior workers, the strike action was necessary after unfruitful meetings with the management of NAFDAC over critical issues regarding the general welfare.

SSASCGOC touched on several issues in the communique which was signed by the Secretary of the TUC, Comrade (Dr.) Ejor Michael, such as 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 and Resolution of Tied Promotion.

Also included are Examination Scores, Qualification and Conversion Criteria for Promotion Examinations, Creation of Psychology Officer Cadre in accordance with HOS Circular, Relocation of Danida Fellowship and Centralization of Trainings to PRS, Payment of all pending Burial Expenses, Life Insurance & Repatriation Allowance, Salary Arrears for 2022 Employees among others.

“This is to notify all staff that, following the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum issued to Management in the Communique of September 20, 2024, and the dithering of Management regarding the issues raised therein, another Congress of NAFDAC Staff was convened on Friday, 4th October 2024,” the communique read.

“After careful deliberation, Congress unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, 7th October 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 Communique within the given time frame. The Congress considers this ongoing inaction insufferable and accentuates 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 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.”