NAFDAC workers demand new salary structure

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) staff under the umbrella of Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), has demanded a new special salary structure and improved working conditions for its members.

The workers who felt they have been unfairly treated in spite of the hazards they go through every day to do their job, called on the Federal Government to take immediate steps to address the plight of the workers.

This was conveyed through a statement which was jointly signed by the Union Acting Chairman, Comrade Jerry Chagga Makeri, and its Secretary, Comrade Aledeh Salih Ahmed, and made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja.

They revealed that their colleagues often face dangerous situations, especially in the field, when inspecting unlicensed manufacturers, illegal drug producers, or counterfeit product distributors that put the staff’s personal safety at risk.

“Over the years, NAFDAC’s scope of work has expanded significantly as the agency takes on more responsibilities, from regulating a wider range of consumer goods to handling increasingly sophisticated counterfeiting operations.

“This increased workload demands more effort, time, and expertise from the staff.

“In view of the foregoing, the NAFDAC Branch of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria calls on the Nigerian government to take immediate steps to improve the welfare of NAFDAC employees, including better compensation packages, enhanced working conditions, and opportunities for professional development and fair promotion potentials.

“A unique salary structure should be created for NAFDAC to put into account all the peculiar and unique duties that NAFDAC employees perform. NAFDAC staff should be paid salaries, wages and compensations comparable to other agencies of government performing similar functions,” they stated.

The Union noted the significant successes recorded by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in its ongoing efforts to combat counterfeit regulated products across the country.

It particularly extended commendations to Professor Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, the Director-General of NAFDAC for her exemplary leadership style, the National Security Adviser (NSA) – Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Nigeria Army, the Nigeria Police, Department of State Service (DSS) and other security agencies.

The statement added that the commendations were against the backdrop of their current collaborative and unwavering efforts in safeguarding the health and well-being of the Nigerian populace through the current clamp-down on counterfeiting and other forms of illegal trade in major drug markets across the country.

“The Union further notes that the collaboration between NAFDAC, the NSA, and security agencies has greatly improved NAFDAC’s ability to detect and dismantle illegal networks involved in the storage, and distribution of unapproved and substandard medicines, cosmetics, unwholesome food products, and other regulated products.

“Staff of NAFDAC are the foot soldiers through which all successes in the Agency are actualized. They are the “unsung heroes and heroines”, whose tireless efforts and professionalism form the backbone of the Agency’s successes.

“From laboratory scientists to field officers/regulatory officers to administrative staff – every staff of NAFDAC plays a crucial role in fulfilling the Agency’s mandate and mission to protect public health.

“The commitment of NAFDAC workers is further exemplified in their continuous efforts to ensure that consumers are safeguarded from dangerous and counterfeit products.

“These dedicated staff are so mobile that they leave their bases at very short notice to travel to other parts of the country to perform special duties without special allowances and monetary compensations.

“They endure all manners of inconveniences and threats in unfamiliar environments and terrain to do their duties.

“Despite the remarkable sacrifices and dedication of NAFDAC staff, their salaries and welfare are far from being fair or commensurate with their efforts and roles in the country,” the union stated.