Protesting staff’s request beyond NAFDAC – Consultant

In the wake of ongoing protests by some staff members of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), a consultant for the regulatory body has stated that many of the demands made by the aggrieved employees fall outside the agency’s control. The staff have been protesting over what they describe as poor working conditions, delayed promotions, inadequate welfare packages, and lack of proper funding for the agency. These concerns have sparked internal unrest and public scrutiny of NAFDAC’s operations.

The consultant, who preferred to remain anonymous, emphasized that while NAFDAC is sympathetic to the issues raised, certain demands are tied to larger systemic challenges that require federal intervention or cross-agency cooperation. According to the consultant, the agency operates within the constraints of federal allocations and civil service regulations, limiting its ability to unilaterally address the protesters’ grievances.

Protest Background

The protests began when a section of NAFDAC staff staged a demonstration, accusing the agency’s management of ignoring their requests for better working conditions and increased remuneration. The protesters have alleged that there has been a lack of meaningful engagement from the agency’s leadership, which they claim has led to deteriorating staff morale and overall inefficiency within the agency.

A representative of the staff union claimed that workers have been “stretched beyond reasonable limits” without commensurate compensation. “We are doing more with less. Our salaries are stagnant, promotions are delayed, and there’s no motivation. It’s unfair, and something must be done immediately,” said the union leader during a rally in Abuja.

Among the key demands made by the protesting staff are:

– An immediate salary review and adjustment to reflect the current economic situation.
– Timely promotions for eligible staff members who have been waiting for years.
– Better funding for NAFDAC’s operations, which staff argue would lead to improved working conditions.
– Improved welfare benefits, including health insurance and housing allowances.

### Consultant’s Perspective

While acknowledging the legitimacy of some of the grievances, the consultant explained that many of the issues raised are beyond NAFDAC’s internal capabilities to resolve. “NAFDAC is bound by federal civil service rules, which govern promotions, salaries, and other aspects of staff welfare,” the consultant said. “The agency cannot just wake up and change salaries or promote staff outside of these established guidelines. Any such action requires broader reforms, which are outside NAFDAC’s direct control.”

The consultant also pointed out that the agency relies heavily on government funding, which is often insufficient to meet operational needs. “The limited funding NAFDAC receives has been a persistent issue,” the consultant added. “Without adequate financial support, the agency struggles to carry out its regulatory duties effectively, and this also impacts the staff welfare issues the protesters are highlighting.”

### Funding and Resource Constraints

One of the main challenges facing NAFDAC, as highlighted by both the protesting staff and the consultant, is underfunding. NAFDAC is responsible for ensuring the safety and quality of food, drugs, cosmetics, and other regulated products in Nigeria, but the agency has been grappling with budgetary constraints for years. These financial limitations have affected not only the agency’s ability to carry out its mandate but also its capacity to improve the working conditions of its staff.

The consultant revealed that NAFDAC has, on several occasions, requested increased budget allocations from the federal government, citing the growing complexity of its regulatory responsibilities. However, these requests have not always been fully granted, leading to operational shortfalls. “NAFDAC needs adequate funding to function effectively, and this includes being able to provide better welfare packages for its staff,” the consultant noted. “Without more resources, it’s difficult to see how some of the protesters’ demands can be met.”

### Systemic Issues in the Civil Service

Another critical issue mentioned by the consultant is the broader systemic challenges within Nigeria’s civil service structure. Promotions and salary increments in government agencies are subject to strict bureaucratic procedures that often lead to delays. These bottlenecks, according to the consultant, have been a long-standing source of frustration for many civil servants, including those at NAFDAC.

“NAFDAC is not unique in this regard,” the consultant stated. “Many government agencies are facing similar challenges. The delays in promotions and salary adjustments are largely due to the slow-moving nature of the civil service system, which is in need of comprehensive reform.”

Despite these limitations, the consultant stressed that NAFDAC has been actively engaging with relevant government bodies to push for improvements. “The agency has been making efforts to address these issues through dialogue with the Ministry of Health and the Office of the Head of Service, but these processes take time.”

Way Forward

In light of the ongoing protests, the consultant urged the protesting staff to consider working with NAFDAC management to engage with the federal government on these issues. “The agency can serve as an advocate for its employees, but a collaborative approach is necessary. Many of the demands will require input from multiple government entities, and that’s where NAFDAC can play a role in facilitating discussions.”

In response to the protests, NAFDAC’s management has reiterated its commitment to addressing staff concerns within the limits of its authority. The agency has pledged to open lines of communication with the staff union and explore ways to improve working conditions, while also lobbying for more support from the federal government.

For the protesting workers, however, patience is wearing thin. “We’ve heard these promises before, but nothing has changed,” said one protester. “If NAFDAC cannot resolve these issues, then the government needs to step in. We are the backbone of this agency, and we deserve to be treated fairly.”

Conclusion

The protests by NAFDAC staff highlight the broader challenges facing government agencies in Nigeria, where underfunding, bureaucratic delays, and systemic inefficiencies often prevent meaningful reform. While the agency’s management may be constrained in its ability to address all of the protesters’ demands, there is a growing need for federal intervention to provide adequate funding, streamline civil service processes, and improve staff welfare across government agencies. In the meantime, NAFDAC will need to balance its limited resources with the demands of its workforce as it continues to carry out its critical regulatory responsibilities.