- Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), NAFDAC Branch, continues strike.
- Demands include:
- Review of 2024 promotion examinations
- Addressing “vacancy slot” limitations
- Payment of unpaid statutory arrears and benefits
- 2022 agreement on workers’ conditions of service remains unimplemented.
- Controversy surrounds promotion examination results, with only 36% of participants promoted.
- Longstanding issue of unresolved staff salary allowances (over 20 years).
- NAFDAC management denies claims, citing adherence to rules and commitment to staff welfare.
The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), NAFDAC Branch, is determined to continue its strike until their demands are met. In a recent interview, Chairman Adetoboye Ayodeji emphasized that it’s up to NAFDAC’s management to initiate negotiations and provide tangible evidence of progress .
The strike, which began on October 7, revolves around the review of the 2024 promotion examinations and addressing allegations that many qualified staff weren’t promoted due to “vacancy slot” limitations. Additionally, Ayodeji highlighted unpaid statutory arrears and benefits for some staff employed in 2022.
A 2022 agreement between the union, government, and NAFDAC management regarding workers’ conditions of service remains unimplemented. Ayodeji expressed frustration over the lack of approval for allowances and conditions of service.
The promotion examination results also sparked controversy, with only 36% of participants being promoted. Ayodeji questioned the rationale behind promoting less than 80% of qualified staff, citing devastating effects on staff morale and, subsequently, the health of 200 million Nigerians.
Another longstanding issue is the staff salary allowances, which have been unresolved for over 20 years. Despite written pleas and a two-week notice before the strike, NAFDAC management hasn’t provided a reason or explanation.
However, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has denied these claims, stating the agency follows rules on payment of arrears and estacode, and prioritizes staff welfare.
