The Medical and Health Workers’ Union of National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has embarked on an indefinite strike at the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued on September 20 to the management.
According to the notice, signed by the secretary, Aledeh Salih Ahmed, the union insisted that no tangible commitment had been received from the management to address some of their demands including total compliance with the agreement reached between the Federal Government, NAFDAC management and the body in 2022, a review of the 2024 promotion exercise and other pressing issues.
They also stated that the indefinite strike action suspended in 2022 would commence on October 7 at 00:01 hours and continue until their demands are met.
“Unfortunately, we have not received any tangible commitment from the management to address these concerns. In light of this, we are left with no choice but to take an industrial action,” the notice read.
A source told The Guardian that one of the issues on demand was their promotion examinations.
He explained that many people failed the test, and were seeking a review.
The source also revealed that the management is already working on the demands, and would at a round table iron out the issues amicably.
Although the strike was supposed to start by 00:01 hours tomorrow morning according to the notice, NAFDAC Office Oshodi was not accessible when The Guardian visited the premises in the early hours of yesterday.
MEANWHILE, the regulator has championed Codex food labelling standards, saying it offers a range of benefits that enhance food safety and consumer awareness globally by eliminating the misleading descriptions of food products and encouraging responsible consumption.
NAFDAC’s Director-General, represented by the Director, Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Mrs Eva Edwards, at a meeting of the National Codex Committee Technical Committee (NCC-TC) on Food Labelling, said the standards provide consumers with essential information about ingredients, nutritional content, and allergens, enabling them to make informed choices about the foods they purchase and consume.
She noted that compliance with these standards facilitates access to international markets, by ensuring that products meet various regulatory requirements.
“This not only reduces the risk of legal issues but also enhances the competitiveness of products on a global scale. In addition, these standards can highlight sustainable practices, promoting environmental awareness and encouraging responsible consumption,” she said.
