The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) workers have commenced an indefinite strike due to long-standing grievances over poor staff welfare. The workers, under the umbrella of the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), cited delays in salary adjustments, inadequate working conditions, and unfulfilled promises by management as reasons for the industrial action.

NAFDAC plays a critical role in regulating the importation, production, and distribution of food and drugs in Nigeria, meaning that the strike could have far-reaching consequences on public health. The absence of regulatory oversight could lead to the circulation of substandard or counterfeit products, threatening the safety of consumers.

Negotiations between NAFDAC management and the union have so far failed to produce a resolution, with workers insisting that their demands must be met before they return to work. The government is expected to step in, as the strike could disrupt vital services, including the monitoring of food safety and drug quality.

---