The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, has called on members of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) to end their ongoing strike action, stressing the critical public health and national security responsibilities of the agency.
The strike, which began on October 7, 2024, has disrupted NAFDAC’s essential regulatory functions, raising concerns about potential risks to public health. Speaking on the issue, Prof. Adeyeye expressed concern over the prolonged strike, stating, “The continued disruption of NAFDAC’s operations poses a significant risk to the health and safety of Nigerians. We must put the interest of the nation above all else.”
According to the NAFDAC DG, management has engaged in multiple meetings with union leadership to address grievances, including the expansion of vacancies for staff promotions, the gazetting of hazard allowances, and concerns about the agency’s training school in Kaduna. Despite these efforts, the situation remains unresolved. Prof. Adeyeye highlighted that the agency has made substantial progress on key issues, such as writing to the Head of Service for expanded vacancies and securing the Minister of Finance’s support for the gazetting of allowances.
“Promotion in public service is based on merit and availability of vacancies, and the agency is not in control of vacancies but has made necessary moves to address the situation,” she explained.
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The DG also refuted allegations regarding non-payment of disengagement allowances and benefits, clarifying that the management remains committed to ensuring that outstanding claims are processed promptly. She added that efforts to resolve other union concerns, such as the casualization of drivers, expansion of the organogram, and review of laboratory allowances, are ongoing.
Acknowledging the staff’s dedication, Prof. Adeyeye appealed to union members to return to work, emphasizing the importance of NAFDAC’s role in safeguarding public health. “NAFDAC staff are known for their diligence and hard work, and I urge you to return to work in the interest of our nation,” she said.
Prof. Adeyeye assured that management would continue to address all outstanding issues, adding that the agency cannot afford to let the strike compromise its reputation or ability to generate revenue, which could affect future allowances for staff. She urged the union to follow the lead of SSASCGOC, another staff union, which has already suspended its strike.
“The strike is an ill wind that blows no good. We must prioritize Nigeria’s health and safety, and I will not rest until these issues are properly tackled,” she affirmed.
The NAFDAC DG’s appeal comes as public concern grows over the impact of the strike on the agency’s vital regulatory duties, particularly in ensuring the safety and quality of medicines, food products, and other essential goods in the country.
