Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
As the industrial action by staff unions at the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) enters its second week, the agency’s Director General has made an earnest appeal to striking workers to resume their duties. The strike, which began on October 7, 2024, arose from several grievances that management claims to be taking seriously.
In a statement released by NAFDAC Director General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, the agency has expressed its commitment to addressing the concerns raised by the workers’ union.
Regarding the union’s demand for the 2022 agreement with management to be gazetted, Adeyeye noted that issues related to hazard, productivity, and regulatory allowances have been partially addressed. She mentioned that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) has communicated with the Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of Economy to approve these allowances for NAFDAC staff, funded through user fees.
On the topic of reviving the training school in Kaduna, the Director General explained that the union was informed in 2022 that reinstating the training school in its physical form was deemed unfeasible due to the political and security situation in the area. However, she confirmed that an online training program has been operational since October 2023.
When discussing the review of laboratory allowances, Adeyeye acknowledged the valuable contributions of the staff but highlighted that financial constraints are hampering their ability to fully meet these demands.
She also pointed out that upon her arrival in 2016, NAFDAC had only 13 directorates and directors. Today, thanks to her initiatives for expansion, the agency boasts over 28 directors.
Moreover, Adeyeye shared that the Federal Government has enforced a 50 percent deduction of the agency’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) starting from January 2024, significantly impacting NAFDAC’s finances. Nonetheless, she reassured that management is open to reviewing the laboratory allowances, aiming for a flat rate across the board.
In her appeal for workers to return to their posts, Adeyeye stated, “You can see from the information provided that management is not dismissing the union’s complaints but has taken positive steps to address them.”
She assured that NAFDAC will continue to grow its structure to align with the agency’s objectives, including revising job-specific allowances. “I can assure you that I will not rest until these issues are properly tackled. Therefore, I must appeal to you to return to work so we can get NAFDAC moving again. I genuinely appreciate your dedication, diligence, and hard work,” she concluded.
