Staff of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has begun an indefinite nationwide strike.

The directive for the strike was disclosed in a communique dated October 4, 2024, and signed by TUC secretary Ejor Michael after the union held a congress.

“After careful deliberation, congress unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, 7th October 2024,” said the union. “In view of the foregoing, you are hereby directed to down tools by withdrawing all your services in compliance with the strike action.”

The workers said although they held meetings with NAFDAC management over their grievances, none of them have been addressed, hence the need for them to down tools after the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum they had issued in an earlier communique dated September 20, 2024.

The union claimed that the strike was inevitable because NAFDAC management failed 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,” it stated.

As part of the strike, access to the NAFDAC premises during the industrial action.

“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,” added the union.