The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), affiliated with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and representing employees of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has initiated an indefinite strike beginning Monday, October 7, 2024.
This decision follows the management’s alleged failure to address critical welfare concerns of its members.
In a statement issued on October 4, 2024, the union outlined that the strike was a result of prolonged discussions with NAFDAC management regarding promotions, salaries, and staff welfare, which yielded no satisfactory outcomes.
The statement, signed by TUC Secretary Comrade (Dr.) Ejor Michael, noted, “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.”
During this Congress, members unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite strike. “After careful deliberation, Congress unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, 7th October 2024,” the statement read.
Workers have been directed to withdraw all services as part of the strike action. “In view of the foregoing, you are hereby directed to down tools by withdrawing all your services in compliance with the strike action,” the statement instructed.
The union expressed frustration over the management’s inaction, stating, “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.”
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Additionally, the statement advised staff to remove personal belongings from their offices, warning that no one would be allowed entry during the strike. “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,” it cautioned.
SSASCGOC State and Zonal Coordinators have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with the strike directives, as the union rallies its members for cooperation.
The communiqué, SSASCGOC/NAFDAC/COMMUNIQUE/VOL.1, outlines several key unresolved issues, including:
- Review of the 2024 Promotion Examination Results
- Appointment of Directors for Public Affairs and Special Duties
- Training Institute placements for 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 and centralization of training to the Personnel and Research Services (PRS)
- Payment of all pending burial expenses, life insurance, and repatriation allowances
- Salary arrears for employees from 2022, among other demands.
The union’s statement emphasizes the seriousness of the situation, stating, “The Congress considers this ongoing inaction insufferable and accentuates that the industrial action will continue unabated until all demands specified in the communiqué are fully met.”
As the strike approaches, the SSASCGOC is prepared to execute its plan, urging its members to adhere to the directives issued.
