The strike by the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has entered its second week, disrupting essential regulatory functions and raising concerns about potential public health risks.

The industrial action, which began on October 7, 2024, stems from unresolved grievances despite ongoing negotiations with NAFDAC’s management.

In a press statement released to Newsmen yesterday, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Christiana Adeyeye, acknowledged that the agency had engaged the union leadership in multiple meetings before and during the strike. However, despite meetings held on October 5, 11, 18, and 19, the union has maintained its position, with no resolution in sight.

Adeyeye expressed concern over the potential health and security risks posed by the prolonged strike, given NAFDAC’s vital role in ensuring food and drug safety. She warned that the disruption could have significant consequences, including damage to the agency’s reputation, loss of revenue, and difficulties in meeting financial obligations such as productivity and other allowances for 2024 and 2025.

The Director-General highlighted several key demands raised by the union, such as the need to expand vacancies, full implementation of a 2022 agreement, and the payment of allowances and benefits. She explained that NAFDAC had taken steps to address these issues, including writing to the Head of Service to approve more vacancies and advocating for allowance payments through user fees.

Another demand involves reopening a training school in Kaduna, which was previously closed due to security concerns. However, the agency has since launched an online training school to meet training needs. Other union grievances include the alleged casualization of drivers, payment of disengagement allowances, and a review of job-specific and laboratory allowances.

While the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) has suspended its strike, MHWUN has yet to follow suit, further impacting NAFDAC’s operations.

Adeyeye appealed to the union to call off the strike, emphasizing the steps taken by management to resolve the issues and underscoring NAFDAC’s critical role in protecting public health. “We must prioritize the interests of Nigeria above all else,” she urged, calling on the union to reconsider its stance for the good of the nation.