Two weeks into the industrial action initiated by staff of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Director-General Prof. Christianah Adeyeye has urged the striking unions to return to work for the sake of the nation.
The strike, which commenced on October 7, 2024, has disrupted critical regulatory functions, raising concerns about public health and safety.
Despite multiple meetings between management and union leaders, the issues prompting the strike remain unresolved. In a press statement titled “Ongoing Strike Action In NAFDAC by The Medical & Health Workers Union Of Nigeria (MHWUN): Need To Return To Work,” Adeyeye emphasized the agency’s crucial public health responsibilities and the adverse effects the strike has on NAFDAC’s reputation and revenue.
She also raised concerns about the potential impact on staff allowances and outlined the key issues raised by the unions. Adeyeye noted the management’s efforts to address these concerns, including:
- Promotions: The management has contacted the Head of Service to expand vacancies for promoting all candidates who scored 60 marks and above in the 2024 promotion exercise.
- Implementation of the 2022 Agreement: The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has written to the Minister of Finance to approve hazard, productivity, and regulatory allowances for NAFDAC staff funded by user fees.
- Training School: Adeyeye assured staff that management is committed to revisiting the on-site training school in Kaduna.
- Outstanding Benefits: She promised that all pending payments for benefits, including claims for repatriation, burial expenses, and life insurance, will be addressed.
Additionally, regarding the demand to casualize drivers, she confirmed that management is working towards absorbing all casual drivers as recruitment approvals are received.
Adeyeye’s appeal highlights the urgency of resolving the ongoing strike to restore normalcy within the agency.