By Our Correspondent| Badeggi, Niger State | October 21, 2025
A dramatic leadership shake-up unfolded at the National Cereals Research Institute (NCRI) in Badeggi, Niger State, on Tuesday as staff unions moved decisively to enforce civil service regulations, reinstating Dr. (Mrs.) Catherine Hembadon Abo as the Head of Administration.
The development came after days of mounting tension following the retirement of the former Head of Administration and a controversial attempt by the Executive Director (ED) to handpick a junior officer from outside the institute to fill the position.
Insiders told journalists that the decision by the ED violated public service procedures, which clearly stipulate that the most senior administrative officer should automatically assume acting responsibility until a substantive appointment is made.
The move sparked outrage among staff and union leaders, who accused the institute’s management of undermining institutional hierarchy and fairness.
Determined to uphold order, members of the staff union reportedly peacefully escorted the newly appointed junior officer out of the office and reinstated Dr. Abo as the rightful Head of Administration — a move met with loud applause from staff across departments.
“This is not about rebellion; it’s about protecting the rule of law and ensuring merit and seniority are respected,” one senior staff member told Media360Impact.
Further investigations revealed that the Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) had earlier issued a clear directive to the NCRI management, instructing compliance with civil service rules and urging that the most senior officer take charge.
However, the directive was reportedly disregarded, leading to widespread discontent until the union’s intervention restored order on Tuesday.
Following the dramatic reversal, Dr. (Mrs.) Catherine Hembadon Abo officially assumed office as Head of Administration, signaling a return to normalcy within the institute.
Staff and union representatives hailed the move as a triumph of integrity and due process within Nigeria’s agricultural research system.
“This victory is not just for Dr. Abo, it’s for every civil servant who believes in fairness and the sanctity of procedure,” said a union spokesperson.
By Tuesday evening, calm had been restored to NCRI’s administrative complex, with routine operations resuming smoothly under Dr. Abo’s leadership.
The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) and other oversight agencies are said to be monitoring the situation to ensure continued compliance with public service standards.
