Workers in the health and food regulatory body, National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have given the federal government a 72- hour notice of strike over anti-workers activities.
The workers vowed to embark on the nationwide strike from October 7 2024 if their demands are not met.
According to the General Secretary of the in-house union, Comrade Salih Ahmed Aledeh, the strike action follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued earlier given to NAFDAC management to address their demands.
It was gathered that the management’s failure to address the pressing issues raised is the main reason for the strike.
‘’In a significant development affecting Nigeria’s public health sector, workers at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) will commence an indefinite strike starting October 7, 2024. The strike action follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to NAFDAC management, which failed to address concerns raised by the agency’s branch of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria.
‘’The strike which will commence at 00:01 hours on October 7, 2024, was initiated after NAFDAC management failed to respond to issues raised in a communique from a congress meeting held on September 20.’’
The strike directive was issued by the leadership of the Federal Area Council of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria.
As a result, all NAFDAC staff have been instructed to participate in the strike.
Aledeh charged all members to fully participate in the strike, adding that, “importance of collective action. Do remember that the success of this action is dependent on our collective determination and resolve.”
The union has directed all zonal coordinators and state representatives to mobilize members in their respective formations and ensure total compliance with the strike notice. They are also required to provide continuous updates on their efforts.
This indefinite strike is expected to significantly impact NAFDAC’s operations, potentially affecting food and drug regulation in Nigeria. The duration of the strike remains uncertain, pending resolution of the issues raised by the union
