Workers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) commenced an indefinite strike on Monday.
The industrial action was ordered by the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), which is an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
It followed NAFDAC management’s alleged failure to address poor staff welfare bordering on promotions and salaries, among others.
In a communique marked SSASCGOC/NAFDAC/COMMUNIQUE/VOL.1, the union announced its plans to embark on the strike after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum.
Comrade Ejor Michael, the Secretary of the TUC, signed the statement directing workers to begin the indefinite strike.
According to the communique, the industrial action would persist until all demands in their earlier communication are fully met.
It reads partly, “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.
“After careful deliberation, Congress unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, 7th October 2024. Given the foregoing, you are hereby directed to down tools by withdrawing all your services in compliance with the strike action.
“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.
“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.
“SSASCGOC State and Zonal Coordinators are hereby directed to ensure strict compliance with this directive. Dear Comrades, your cooperation is greatly treasured to ensure the effectiveness of this indefinite nationwide strike action. We will not relent until all issues are satisfactorily addressed.”