News
Abuja Gridlock: Questions Raised Over Alleged Defiance of FG Directives by NNRA DG
By Cyril Bassey
Fresh questions are being raised over the leadership of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NNRA) following allegations that its Director-General, Dr. Yau Usman Idris, repeatedly failed to implement directives issued by the Federal Government, a situation critics say has created an administrative stalemate within the agency.
At the centre of the controversy is Barr. Abdulhadi Attah Abdullahi, a pioneer staff member of the NNRA, Fellow of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Legal Affairs, and widely regarded as Nigeria’s and Africa’s first certified nuclear lawyer. He is also said to be the agency’s most senior officer after the Director-General.
According to documents and stakeholders familiar with the matter, the dispute dates back to 2020 when Barr. Abdullahi and three other senior officers were reportedly barred from participating in the Director-grade promotion examination despite approved vacancies and budgetary provisions made by the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
The development triggered protests by NNRA staff unions, leading to the establishment of a joint committee in 2021 comprising representatives of the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources, NNRA management and the agency’s unions.
The committee reportedly concluded its work in 2022 and recommended that the affected officers be promoted. However, stakeholders allege that the recommendations were never implemented by the NNRA management.
The issue resurfaced in 2024 when the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources reportedly issued another directive instructing the NNRA to establish, among other units, a Department of International Cooperation and Legal Services. According to the directive, the department was expected to address the career progression of the agency’s senior legal officer, who was said to be the only qualified officer for the position.
However, sources claim the directive was not implemented.
Despite the absence of a legal department, Barr. Abdullahi was reportedly qualified to compete for other Director-level positions based on his extensive experience across the agency’s technical departments. Critics, however, allege that he was overlooked while another officer, a pharmacy graduate, was appointed to head the Department of Authorization and Enforcement after allegedly receiving accelerated promotions that skipped the Deputy General Manager rank.
They also pointed to the Nuclear Security Centre, which is expected to be headed by a Director but is reportedly being coordinated by an Assistant General Manager. Stakeholders argue that the situation has resulted in all serving Directors being junior to Barr. Abdullahi, whose last promotion was reportedly in 2016.
The controversy intensified during the 2026 promotion exercise, which coincided with Barr. Abdullahi’s mandatory retirement year. It is alleged that he was prevented from entering the promotion examination venue by security personnel.
Following the incident, the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources reportedly issued another memo in April 2026 directing the NNRA Director-General to promote the officer within two weeks. Stakeholders, however, claim the directive was again ignored.
The allegations suggest that between 2020 and 2026, the affected officer and others were denied opportunities for career progression despite repeated interventions by relevant government authorities.
Observers argue that if the allegations are substantiated, they could amount to violations of Chapter 10 of the Federal Government Public Service Rules (2021), which classifies failure to obey lawful directives from superior authorities as serious misconduct.
Sources also claim that petitions detailing the dispute have been submitted to the Presidency since 2021, but no decisive action has been taken, prompting concerns over the enforcement of government directives and accountability within federal agencies.
Stakeholders are therefore urging the Presidency and the Minister of Petroleum Resources (Oil) to intervene by enforcing the April 2026 directive before Barr. Abdullahi’s retirement takes effect. They argue that resolving the matter would reinforce confidence in the civil service promotion process and the government’s commitment to the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has concluded hearings on the dispute between Barr. Abdulhadi Attah Abdullahi and the NNRA management. Following the reported failure of the NNRA management to appear before the committee, lawmakers are expected to issue a final report containing their findings and recommendations, which stakeholders believe could determine the next course of action in the protracted dispute.
News
Nigeria at 66: ‘We Must Not Lose Faith in Nigeria’ — FCC Boss Omidiran
Joel Ajayi
The Executive Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Honorable Hulayat Motunrayo Omidiran, has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary to renew their faith in Nigeria, strengthen national unity and recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and prosperous country.
In her 66th Independence Day message, Hon. Omidiran described October 1 as more than a celebration of freedom, saying the anniversary provides an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, acknowledge its progress and challenges, and renew the collective determination to build a nation where every citizen has a sense of belonging.
According to the FCC Executive Chairman, the Federal Character Principle remains particularly important to the quest for national cohesion because equitable representation promotes a sense of ownership and confidence in the Nigerian project.
“Nigeria is a nation of great diversity and
enormous potential. Our responsibility is to ensure that this diversity becomes a bridge that connects us rather than a barrier that separates us. Every Nigerian deserves to feel that he or she belongs to this country and has a role to play in its development,” Omidiran said.
The FCC boss called on government institutions at all levels to remain committed to fairness, equity, accountability and inclusive governance, while urging citizens to support efforts aimed at strengthening national institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence.
“We must not lose faith in Nigeria. The challenges before us are real, but so are the opportunities and the enormous human and natural resources available to us. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute his or her own quota to building the Nigeria we desire,” she stated.
The FCC Executive Chairman also urged young Nigerians to remain committed to acquiring knowledge and skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, sports and other productive ventures, describing the youth as critical stakeholders in the country’s future.
“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, let us remember that the Nigeria we want cannot be built by government alone. It requires the commitment of all of us – leaders and citizens, young and old, from every part of the federation. Together, we can build a Nigeria where justice, fairness, opportunity and peace are available to all,” she said.
Omidiran reaffirmed the FCC’s commitment to the effective discharge of its constitutional mandate and to supporting efforts that promote equitable representation and inclusive national development across the federation.
The former lawmaker wished Nigerians at home and abroad a peaceful and memorable 66th Independence Anniversary, praying for continued peace, stability, prosperity and progress for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Our differences should never be greater than our common identity as Nigerians. Let us continue to choose unity over division, service over self-interest and hope over despair. The Nigeria of our dreams is possible if we all play our part,” Omidiran said.
“On behalf of the Federal Character Commission, I congratulate all Nigerians on this 66th Independence Anniversary. May this occasion renew our patriotism, strengthen our unity and inspire us to work together for a stronger, more equitable and prosperous Nigeria. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” she added.
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