The Medical and Health Workers’ Association at the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)has suspended its indefinite strike for one month to allow for mediation.
Chairman Adetoye Ayodeji confirmed this development following a meeting with National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja.
“It was suspended for one month,” Ayodeji stated. “Mr. Ribadu took it upon himself to engage and asked that we give him some time.”
The union had initiated the strike to protest poor welfare conditions, including unpaid salary arrears and inadequate insurance benefits.
The strike followed a 14-day ultimatum issued to management on September 20, which expired without resolution.
Key demands include the payment of 2022 salary arrears, disbursement of outstanding burial expenses, and a review of promotion examination results.
The union noted that only 35 per cent of employees passed the 2024 examination, calling for a minimum pass rate of 80 per cent.
Ayodeji pointed out the need for changes in the examination content, labelling it excessively academic and disconnected from actual job responsibilities. “We cannot accept a pass rate this low; it undermines the integrity of our profession,” he said.
As the mediation process begins, workers hope their concerns will be addressed, leading to better conditions. “We are hopeful that this month will bring positive changes,” Ayodeji added, signalling a cautious optimism for resolution.