The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), a Trade Union Congress affiliate representing employees of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has launched an indefinite strike. The strike was triggered by unresolved disputes over promotion-related issues and concerns regarding staff welfare.
Despite multiple discussions between SSASCGOC and NAFDAC management, the union reported no progress on critical matters affecting the workforce, prompting the strike action, as reported by ChannelsTV on Monday. Frustrated by the management’s failure to address their concerns, the workers felt compelled to take this drastic measure.
According to a communiqué titled “SSASCGOC/NAFDAC/COMMUNIQUE/VOL.1,” issued on October 4, 2024, the workers highlighted several unresolved issues, including the need for:
- A review of the 2024 promotion examination results
- Appointment of Directors for Public Affairs and Special Duties
- Placements for the Training Institute in the North West and North East regions
- Reforms in the content of the promotion examinations
- Timely disclosure of scores from APER/PER/KPI evaluations
- Resolution of tied scores in promotion exams
- Clear qualification and conversion criteria for promotions
- Creation of a Psychology Officer cadre in line with the Head of Service circular
- Relocation of the Danida Fellowship and centralization of training under the Personnel and Research Services (PRS)
- Payment of pending burial expenses, life insurance, and repatriation allowances
- Settlement of outstanding salary arrears for employees dating back to 2022, among other key demands.
The communiqué stressed that after thorough deliberations, the Congress “unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, 7th October 2024.”
This industrial action underscores the deepening rift between NAFDAC management and its employees over critical issues affecting staff morale and career advancement. The union’s demands highlight long-standing grievances related to promotions, training, welfare benefits, and transparency, all of which the workers insist must be addressed for normal operations to resume.
