NAFDAC DG urges staff to call off strike, return to work
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The Director-General, National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, has appealed to the staff of the agency to call off their prolonged strike in the interest of the nation.
The DG, in her letter to the staff of NAFDAC Monday morning, appeals to them to go back to work while channels of communication with the union leaders remain open.
The letter recalled that the industrial action embarked upon by the staff unions under the auspices of the Medical & Health Workers Union Of Nigeria (MHWUN), is into its second week, adding that the strike that commenced on October 7, 2024 was precipitated by some grievances to which the management is paying serious attention.
“Despite the efforts of the Management to resolve these issues amicably, having had three meetings with the Union leadership, (prestrike on 5th October 2024 and during strike on 11th, 18th and 19th October 2024) the situation remains unresolved”, the letter stated.
Highlighting efforts made by the management to address the demands of the unions thus far, Prof. Adeyeye stated that the prolonged strike posed a potential risk to the health and safety, and security of Nigerians, “as critical regulatory functions are being disrupted”.
According to the letter, the critical issues raised by MHWUN and the efforts the management has invested towards solving them include: The expansion of vacancies to facilitate the promotion of all candidates that scored 60 marks and above in the NAFDAC 2024 Promotion exercise; Full Compliance with 2022 Agreement signed with the NAFDAC Council and Management; Training School in Kaduna; Payment of Repatriation, Burial Expenses, and Life Insurance Benefits; and Payment of Disengagement allowance.
Others are: Casualization of Drivers; Expansion of Organogram to allow for more vacancies; Review of Job-Specific Allowance; Review of Laboratory Allowance; and Transfer within the Agency.
The DG, who said the Management did not downplay the grouse of the Union but took positive steps towards addressing them, stated:”And I can assure you that I will not rest until the issues are properly tackled”.
“Therefore, it has become necessary to appeal to you to return to work and get NAFDAC moving again. I appreciate your dedication, diligence and hardwork. That is the hallmark of what NAFDAC staff are known for and we cannot afford to prove otherwise at this critical juncture. It is my sincere hope that you will hearken to this appeal in the interest of our nation”, Prof. Adeyeye further appealed to the striking NAFDAC staff.
She said this has become necessary because “the cost of the strike to the Agency is unquantifiable in terms of our reputation and loss of revenue. This has obvious implications as it will impact our ability to pay productivity allowance (in 2024) and other allowances that will be due in 2025”.
Bobrisky didn’t stay out of jail, but enjoyed privileges – Investigative Panel
The investigative panel tasked with probing allegations that convicted cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was kept out of the custodial center while serving his six-month prison sentence, has submitted its report, dismissing the claims.
The panel, however, confirmed that Bobrisky received certain privileges during his time behind bars.
Uju Agomoh, Executive Director and founder of Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA), who is a member of the panel, stated that there was no evidence to support the accusation that Bobrisky stayed outside the prison during his incarceration, which lasted from April 12, 2024, to August 5, 2024.
“The panel did not find any evidence thus far that suggested Mr. Okuneye slept outside the custodial center during the period of his imprisonment,” Agomoh said.
She clarified that Bobrisky served his six-month correctional sentence with the usual remission applicable to such cases.
