Staff of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have commenced an indefinite nationwide strike as of Monday, following the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the agency’s management.
The strike comes after a meeting on October 4, 2024, aimed at resolving ongoing grievances ended without agreement.
Key demands from the staff include a review of the 2024 promotion examination results, which reported a pass rate of only 35 percent. The union is advocating for a minimum benchmark of 80 percent for this year’s and future exams.
Additionally, employees hired in 2022 are demanding the settlement of outstanding salary arrears.
In a statement, Ejor Michael, the association’s Secretary, criticized NAFDAC management for neglecting their concerns and described the situation as “insufferable.”
Acting on the directive of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), striking workers have been instructed to withdraw all services and vacate their offices, including removing personal belongings.
The workers have vowed to continue the strike until all their demands are met, indicating a significant disruption to NAFDAC operations amid ongoing public health challenges.