Nigeria – NAFDAC Workers Embark On Indefinite Nationwide Strike

By Utebor Paul, Nigeria

Following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) management, staff of the agency have commenced an indefinite nationwide strike

The decision to embark on the strike was finalized after a congress of NAFDAC workers held on Friday, 4th October 2024.

The workers, under the leadership of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), have been instructed to withdraw their services and vacate their offices, taking personal belongings with them as the industrial action begins.

Among the workers’ demands are the review and re-evaluation of the 2024 promotion examination results, which currently reflect a 35% pass rate.

The union is pushing for a minimum pass rate of 80% for this year and future promotion exams. Additionally, the workers are demanding the settlement of salary arrears owed to employees recruited in 2022, among other grievances.

In a statement signed by the Secretary of the Association, Ejor Michael, the union accused NAFDAC management of ignoring their concerns, describing the situation as “insufferable.” The workers have vowed to sustain the strike until all their demands, as outlined in their communiqué, are fully addressed.