NAFDAC staffs: Why we embarked on indefinite nationwide strike

The staffs of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has clarified why they embarked on an indefinite nationwide strike since October 7, 2024.

The nationwide strike comes at the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the management.

The decision followed a congress of NAFDAC staff on October 4 over unresolved issues.

The workers, under the directive of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), were instructed to withdraw all services and vacate offices immediately.

They were also directed to remove personal belongings as the strike kicks off.

The union is demanding a review of the 2024 promotion examination results and settlement of salary arrears for employees hired in 2022.

It also demanded other benefits which currently reflect a pass rate of just 35% signed by the association’s secretary.

The union is pushing for a minimum benchmark of 85% for this year and future exams.

Why the strike?

The letter announcing the strike reads in part: “Despite several efforts by the Union to ensure that the Management of NAFDAC put a human face to the 2024 Promotion Exercise, we have woken up to the reality that a huge 64% of the staff who worked hard and studied for the exams have been needlessly denied promotion even though a majority of the staff scored 60% and above.

“The so-called “Absence of Vacancy” has been used to deny hardworking and deserving staff their promotions and this is totally unacceptable.

“While in other health Agencies, promotions are done at 90% to 100% pass rate why is NAFDAC an exception?

“We are aware that over 500 vacancies were available to be filled in the 2024 Promotion Exercise, but the NAFDAC management promoted only 255.

“We are also aware that a secret recruitment or “replacement” exercise is ongoing.

“While we are also calling for proper recruitment in NAFDAC, this so-called replacement is a conduit to be used to siphon the vacancies meant for hardworking staff.

“This is totally unacceptable,” the statement added.

What does TUC say?

Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade (Dr.) Ejor Michael accused the NAFDAC management of ignoring the grievances of the staff, leading to the strike.

The staff, on their part, have vowed to continue the strike until all demands outlined are met.

NAFDAC have played a crucial role in regulating Nigeria’s food, drug, and pharmaceutical industries.

It is expected to face significant operational disruptions as a result of the industrial action.

Efforts by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) to obtain a response from NAFDAC management regarding the strike have, so far, proved unsuccessful.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook