NAFDAC Workers Begin Indefinite Strike

By Ayodele Oni

Operations at the Federal government’s regulatory body, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have been disrupted as the staff commenced an indefinite nationwide strike on Monday.

The action followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to management.

The decision to down tools was confirmed after a congress of NAFDAC staff convened on Friday, October 4, 2024 over 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.

They were also ordered 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 percent.

The union is pushing for a minimum benchmark of 80 percent for this year and future examinations.

Another key demand is the settlement of salary arrears for employees hired in 2022 among others.

In a statement signed by Secretary of the Association, Ejor Michael, 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.