By Ameh Gabriel | Media360Impact
Badeggi, Niger State October 21, 2025
The National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI), Badeggi, Niger State, was thrown into tension on Tuesday following a leadership dispute over the appointment of a new Head of Administration Department.
According to reliable sources within the institute, the crisis began after the retirement of the former Head of Administration. In line with civil service regulations, the position is expected to be filled by the most senior administrative officer in the institute pending a substantive appointment.
However, controversy erupted when the Executive Director (ED) reportedly appointed a junior officer from a university outside the institute to assume the role, a move that triggered strong opposition from staff unions and senior officials.
Union Steps In to Uphold Civil Service Order
Members of the institute’s staff union were said to have resisted the decision, describing the appointment as a breach of public service rules and an act of disregard for internal hierarchy.
The situation escalated when the union moved to enforce compliance with due process, escorting the newly appointed junior officer out of the office and reinstating the institute’s most senior administrative staff, Dr. (Mrs.) Catherine Hembadon Abo, as the rightful Head of Administration.
Witnesses confirmed that the union’s action was conducted peacefully, with staff members applauding the move as a defense of fairness and institutional integrity.
Executive Secretary’s Directive Ignored
Further findings by Media360Impact revealed that the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) had earlier directed the NCRI Executive Director to comply with civil service procedures by allowing the most senior staff to take over the position.
However, the directive was reportedly ignored, prompting growing unrest among staff members until the union’s intervention restored order on Tuesday.
Dr. Abo Officially Takes Charge
Following the development, Dr. (Mrs.) Catherine Hembadon Abo formally assumed duty as Head of Administration, marking a return to stability within the department.
Staff members and union representatives have since commended the move, describing it as a victory for accountability, rule of law, and internal discipline within the research system.
Calm Returns to NCRI
As of Tuesday evening, normalcy had returned to the institute, with administrative operations resuming under Dr. Abo’s leadership. The development is being closely monitored by the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and other oversight bodies to ensure sustained compliance with public service regulations.
