The Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations And Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC), an affiliate of the Trade Union Congress of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has begun an indefinite strike over issues revolving around staff welfare.

Some of the issues include review of 2024 promotion examination results, appointment of directors for public affairs/special duties, training institute, and reform of promotion examination content.

Others are creation of psychology officer cadre in accordance with HOS circular, payment of all pending burial expenses, life insurance and repatriation allowance, and salary arrears for 2022 employees.

In a statement, Ejor Michael, TUC secretary, said the workers had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the agency’s management in a communique dated September 20, 2024.

The statement said another congress of NAFDAC staff was convened on October 4, following the expiration of the ultimatum.

“After careful deliberation, Congress unanimously resolved to embark on an indefinite nationwide strike across all NAFDAC formations, commencing Monday, 7th October 2024,” the statement reads.

“In view of 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.”

The Minister of Art, Culture and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, on Sunday, spoke about the controversy surrounding her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, asserting her legal standing on the issue.

During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Musawa stated, “I didn’t break the law,” in response to questions regarding the matter.

Recall the minister faced criticism for failing to provide evidence of her participation in the mandatory NYSC scheme during her Senate confirmation screening.

However, in April 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed the case against her, with Justice James Omotosho ruling that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to bring the matter before the court. This ruling has led Musawa to declare that the issue has been settled legally.

Speaking on the matter, Musawa said her intention is to focus on her responsibilities in office rather than engaging with the controversy.

“The matter had been adjudicated and one day, I will come out with my account. I have probably done more NYSC than you (presenter). I have done at least two NYSCs in my life.

“I think what I owe Nigerians is to say that I didn’t do anything wrong. I didn’t break the law. The NYSC I did and finished. That is the much I can tell you. Everything I did was by the law.

“That was why I also said that one day I would come out with my account of what happened to set the record straight. As of now, I think it is important for me to focus on giving Nigerians the deliverables,” she said.

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has strengthened its air patrol and surveillance capabilities with the acquisition of a Cessna Grand Caravan EX-208B aircraft.

The Comptroller-General of NCS, Adewale Adeniyi, announced this development in a statement issued by the service’s spokesperson, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Sunday in Abuja.

Describing the acquisition as a “game-changer,” Adeniyi emphasized that the aircraft would significantly boost the service’s ability to combat smuggling and enhance border security.

The newly acquired aircraft, registered as 5N-BAA, is equipped with a modern Garmin G 1000 avionics cockpit system, allowing it to operate effectively in various conditions, including day, night, and low visibility. Adeniyi highlighted in the statement that the aircraft’s capacity to carry up to ten officers and its six-hour aerial endurance will greatly improve the NCS’s surveillance operations.

“This aircraft will be a game-changer for the NCS air wing,” Adeniyi stated. “Its ability to carry ten officers, coupled with its six-hour aerial endurance, will significantly enhance our capacity for air surveillance and border patrol.”

The statement further outlined that the aircraft is expected to play a vital role in detecting smuggling routes, deploying armed personnel, and providing swift support for ground operations.

This capability is especially crucial in Nigeria’s vast and often challenging border regions, where rapid response times can be the difference between intercepting illegal activities and missing critical opportunities.

By providing an aerial advantage, the Cessna Grand Caravan allows the NCS to survey difficult terrain and monitor suspicious movements that would be difficult to track from the ground.

The statement emphasized that the Cessna EX-208B, equipped with the reliable PT6 Pratt and Whitney engine, is built to withstand the rigorous demands of border security operations.

Its powerful engine allows for operations on remote airstrips and access to areas that might be challenging for other aircraft.

Adeniyi highlighted the aircraft’s rugged versatility, noting that its design supports short-field take-offs and landings, making it ideal for rapid deployment across varied terrains, from dense forests to open savannas.

This capability is expected to significantly enhance the NCS’s ability to conduct surprise inspections and swiftly address emerging threats.

The statement further described the aircraft as a strategic asset for Nigeria Customs Technical and Hangar Services Ltd, offering not only logistical support but also opportunities for revenue generation.

Its dual role in surveillance and transportation enables it to fulfil multiple functions, aligning with the service’s broader operational objectives.

Additionally, the statement noted that the aircraft’s cost-efficiency, due to its relatively low operational and maintenance expenses compared to similar models, makes it a sustainable choice for long-term air surveillance.

This ensures that the service can fully leverage the aircraft’s capabilities without burdening its budget, allowing for consistent operations over time.