The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, has refuted claims made by protesting workers that serve as the foundation for their industrial action, labeling them as “untrue.”
In a statement issued on Monday by the agency’s Resident Media Consultant, Sayo Akintola, Prof. Adeyeye underscored that while the management is attentive to workers’ welfare, it operates within limitations concerning promotions and certain compensations. She reaffirmed her dedication to improving the welfare of NAFDAC staff.
As of the time of this report, the workers have not ended their week-long strike, as their demands remain unfulfilled, although negotiations aimed at resolving the dispute are currently in progress.
The protesting employees are expressing dissatisfaction over the agency’s failure to promote a significant number of staff who participated in the 2024 promotion interviews.
Despite many meetings or exceeding the required passing mark, NAFDAC management has cited a lack of vacancies, leaving over 500 eligible employees without the promotions they feel they have earned.
They are also voicing grievances regarding NAFDAC’s failure to uphold a 2022 agreement that addressed workers’ welfare and promotion issues.
In her statement, the DG refuted the striking workers’ claims, asserting they are unfounded, and highlighted several initiatives taken to enhance the agency and foster a supportive working environment.
Since taking office in February 2022, Prof. Adeyeye has implemented substantial reforms aimed at boosting NAFDAC’s operational capacity.
Among her actions, she inaugurated 73 new operational vehicles, including 43 Hilux vans, 20 Toyota Camry cars, and 10 buses, to key locations like Abuja, Oshodi, and Apapa, to improve regulatory inspections, staff welfare, and operational efficiency.
Furthermore, she cleared a debt of N3.2 billion within her first year, showcasing her commitment to effective management and cost-saving measures.
“Whether it is a matter of promotion or estacode, the agency has been following the rules and is committed to promoting the workers’ welfare,” she stated. “We are not in charge of the number of people to promote; we are only responsible for conducting exams.
The office of the Head of Service of the Federation (HOS) is always responsible for allocating available vacancies that the government can pay for.”
Prof. Adeyeye added, “It is not that there is a vacancy and we are not promoting. It is based on what the government can pay for and approve as vacancies every year. It is not different from any other agency.”
Addressing the estacode issue raised by the striking workers, she stated, “There is nothing wrong with the agency’s estacode policy. That is just playing to the gallery.
Our staff have always been paid their due estacode, and so that is not an issue. We are not different from any other agency; the estacode will be paid when the evidence of the trip is presented. We have never owed any staff any travel allowance.”
Akintola noted that there are positive developments on the horizon, indicating that the matter may soon be resolved.
He stated, “The agency, like any other in the country, is not permitted to exceed approval given by the federal government, but I can assure you that the matter is being looked into at the highest level of government for a possible resolution without further delay.
“The government, the agency, and the unions recognize the crucial role NAFDAC plays in safeguarding the health of the nation.”
