Striking workers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have raised alarms about the potential public health risks and economic consequences as their industrial action enters its second week.
The workers warned that the ongoing strike could lead to an influx of substandard products in the market and congestion at the ports, severely affecting the economy.
According to a union leader speaking to *THISDAY*, the strike, triggered by management’s failure to address welfare issues, has been ignored by the NAFDAC Director-General, who has reportedly left the country for the second time since the strike began.
The workers are demanding approvals for allowances, a review of job-specific benefits, promotions for staff who passed the 2024 examination, and reimbursement of outstanding claims dating back to 2014. They also criticized management for forcing staff to cover official travel expenses from personal funds, only to face delays in reimbursement.
The union leader highlighted the serious implications of the strike, warning that without NAFDAC’s oversight, harmful products could flood the market, jeopardizing public health. Additionally, the strike could cripple clearance processes at the ports, leading to backlogs and damaging the economy.
The union called on the Federal Government to urgently intervene, pressuring NAFDAC’s management to address the workers’ grievances for the sake of the nation’s health and safety.
