A mild crisis erupted at the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State, on Tuesday following a dispute over the appointment of a new Head of Administration after the retirement of the former occupant of the position.
Tension arose when the Executive Director reportedly appointed a junior officer from a university outside the institute to head the department a move that drew strong opposition from staff unions and senior officials.
According to credible sources, the appointment contravene civil service regulations, which stipulate that the most senior administrative officer should assume the role pending a substantive appointment.
In protest, the staff union intervened to enforce compliance with due process, escorting the newly appointed officer out of the office and reinstated the institute’s most senior administrative officer, Dr. (Mrs.) Catherine Hembadon Abo, as the rightful Head of Administration.
Witnesses confirmed that the action was carried out peacefully, with staff members applauding it as a triumph for justice, fairness, and institutional integrity.
Further findings by our Correspondent revealed that the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) had earlier directed the NCRI Executive Director to adhere to civil service rules a directive reportedly ignored until the union’s intervention.
Following her reinstatement, Dr. Abo has officially assumed duty, restoring calm and normalcy to the institute.
The ARCN and other oversight bodies are said to be monitoring the situation to ensure continued compliance with public service regulations.
