The ongoing strike by the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has raised significant concerns regarding employee welfare and management practices within the organization. As articulated by Chairman Adetoboye Ayodeji during a recent interview in Kaduna, the union’s actions are a response to longstanding grievances, including the demand for a review of the 2024 promotion examinations. The strike, which began on October 7, underscores the frustrations of employees who feel that they have been unjustly denied promotions despite meeting the necessary qualifications. Ayodeji emphasized that the onus is on NAFDAC management to engage in negotiations to resolve these issues, indicating a willingness for dialogue but expressing skepticism over management’s commitment to address the union’s concerns.
One of the primary catalysts for the strike is the perception that many employees were not promoted due to an alleged “vacancy slot” situation emanating from the Head of Service. This contention is compounded by the fact that despite successfully completing promotion examinations, many staff members are left waiting for recognition of their achievements. Ayodeji’s frustrations are palpable as he recounts the disappointment of over 700 employees who participated in the examinations, with a mere 36 percent receiving promotions. He argues that such a low success rate is unacceptable and suggests that NAFDAC’s promotional practices are demotivating, ultimately threatening not only staff morale but also public health outcomes for Nigeria’s population.
Ayodeji also highlights systemic issues within NAFDAC, specifically regarding unpaid statutory arrears and benefits for employees hired in 2022. He refers to a prior agreement made between the union and NAFDAC management in 2022 which sought to improve working conditions but has remained unfulfilled. The expectation that outstanding allowances related to conditions of service would be resolved by December 2022 has not been met, further aggravating employee dissatisfaction. The consistent failure of management to respond adequately to the union’s concerns, even after formal notifications of impending strike action, illustrates a significant breakdown in communication that contributes to the current crisis.
Moreover, Ayodeji’s criticism extends to the management’s practices during the promotion process, claiming that while employee promotions stagnated, the agency simultaneously recruited new staff to fill the supposed vacancies. This inconsistency raises questions about the transparency and fairness of the promotion system, fueling distrust among existing employees. His assertive call for action reflects a broader sentiment that a fairer promotion strategy is essential not only for staff morale but also for the efficacy of the agency, which is responsible for safeguarding public health.
In response to these claims, NAFDAC’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has refuted the allegations made by the union. Her statement insists that the agency adheres to established protocols regarding the payment of arrears and estacode, and she underscores NAFDAC’s commitment to the welfare of its employees. However, this official rebuttal may do little to quell the growing discontent among workers who have taken to the streets for their rights, revealing a stark divide between management’s narrative and on-the-ground realities experienced by employees.
Conclusively, the conflict between the Medical and Health Workers Union and NAFDAC management illustrates critical underlying issues in labor relations within public health institutions in Nigeria. The union’s ongoing strike highlights deep-seated frustrations surrounding promotions, unpaid benefits, and management transparency, all of which create an environment of dissatisfaction and disengagement among staff. As the situation develops, the challenge ahead lies in reconciling the contrasting perspectives of management and workers, fostering a collaborative environment conducive to both employee welfare and public health security in Nigeria.
