NAFDAC DG pleads with striking staff to return to work 

Director-General of National Agency of Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) Mojisola Adeyeye has pleaded with the Medical and Health workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) to call off their strike and return to work.

MHWUN commenced the industrial action on October 7, 2024, over issues it felt has not been addressed.

Among the issues include, expansion of vacancies to facilitate the promotion of all candidates that scored 60 marks and above in the NAFDAC 2024 Promotion exercise, Full Compliance with 2022 Agreement signed with the NAFDAC Council and Management and also Payment of Repatriation, Burial Expenses, and Life Insurance Benefits.

Adeyeye, in a statement said despite the efforts of the Management to resolve these issues amicably, having had three meetings with the Union leadership, (prestrike on 5th October 2024 and during strike on 11th, 18th and 19th October 2024) the situation remains unresolved.

READ ALSO: Strike: NAFDAC DG denies responsibility for limited promotion vacancies

She said given the significant public health responsibilities of NAFDAC, the prolonged strike poses a potential risk to the health and safety, and security of Nigerians, as critical regulatory functions are being disrupted.

She explained that the cost of the strike to the Agency is unquantifiable in terms of our reputation and loss of revenue, and that this has obvious implications as it will impact their ability to pay productivity allowance (in 2024) and other allowances that will be due in 2025.

She noted that it has become necessary to appeal to MHWUN to return to work and get NAFDAC moving again.

Also, she expressed appreciation to MHWUN’s dedication, diligence and hard work which is the hallmark of what NAFDAC staff are known for and the Agency cannot afford to prove otherwise at this critical juncture.

She added that it is her sincere hope that the union will hearken to appeals in the interest of the country.