- NIMR Crisis: FG Tenure Policy Behind Directors’ Exit, Ongoing Strike
- NIMR management maintained that it had no discretion in the matter
- NIMR maintained that researchers remain actively involved in governance structures within the Institute
The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR), Lagos, has said the retirement of four of its directors was carried out in compliance with a Federal Government directive enforcing the eight-year tenure policy for directors in public service.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the development has, however, triggered an indefinite strike by the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI), which is protesting what it described as the unlawful retirement of its members and a breach of existing conditions of service.
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The strike, which began on Wednesday, has disrupted operations at the Institute, with the union also announcing plans to commence picketing and escalate the dispute through formal channels.
In its reaction, NIMR management maintained that it had no discretion in the matter, insisting it was only implementing directives issued by the Federal Government through the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Speaking on the development, the Institute’s Director of Administration, Mr Bitrus Nelson, described the retirement exercise as strictly an administrative action guided by public service regulations.
“As previously stated in our response to ASURI, NIMR Branch, management is only implementing the government’s directive.
“Directing any opposition to the implementation of these circulars to the Institute’s management is misplaced. Any grievance arising from the directives should be referred to the issuing authorities.
“The Institute is duty-bound to comply with government instructions until otherwise directed. Any industrial action against the Institute on account of compliance with lawful directives is therefore misdirected,” he said.
A circular dated February 10, 2026, reaffirmed the enforcement of the eight-year tenure rule for directors across Ministries, Departments and Agencies in line with Rule 020909 of the Public Service Rules (2021 edition).
The directive warned that failure to comply could attract administrative sanctions. Under the rule, directors are required to exit the position after eight years.
ASURI, however, rejected the decision, insisting that the retirement of the directors was unlawful and inconsistent with agreed conditions of service. The union argued that research staff are entitled to remain in service until the statutory retirement age of 65 years.
In its strike notice signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Theophilus Ndubuaku, ASURI said the action by management ignored earlier engagement and advisories.
“The National Secretariat of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions (ASURI) notes with profound disappointment your decision to issue retirement letters to Research/Academic Cadre Directors based on the eight-year tenure policy.
“This action, taken despite our formal advisory dated 3rd March 2026, is compounded by an unconscionable plot to throw these high-caliber scientists and their families onto the streets through a directive to vacate official quarters.
“Your attempt to enforce a policy that has been conclusively addressed, negotiated, and resolved through ministerial intervention is an actionable industrial provocation. ASURI will not stand by while the career advancement and livelihoods of its members are illegally terminated in breach of the 65-year retirement age established by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).
“The responsibility for the total breakdown of industrial harmony at NIMR rests solely with your administration for failing to seek necessary clarification from the OHCSF before taking action,” the union stated.
The union also announced plans for picketing and formal activation of a trade dispute over the issue.
Responding to the allegations, NIMR denied claims that affected staff were being forced out of official quarters, describing the report as false and unfounded.
“The claim that there is any plan to evict staff from official quarters is absolutely false,” the management said.
The Institute further disclosed that one of the affected directors had complied with the retirement directive and had begun the process of refunding salaries received beyond the approved retirement date, as required under government regulations.
It also dismissed claims of administrative overreach, explaining that all research grants and related activities are processed through its established Grants Unit to ensure accountability and proper coordination.
“Management has never stopped researchers from communicating directly with funders on day-to-day project management. However, institutional endorsement processes must follow approved channels to ensure transparency and compliance with international best practices,” it added.
NIMR maintained that researchers remain actively involved in governance structures within the Institute, noting that several committees are chaired by ASURI members and contribute to decision-making processes.
The Institute added that it remains committed to enforcing public service rules and maintaining discipline while urging staff to follow due process in all administrative matters.
While the standoff continues and both parties maintain firm positions, the institute has stated that no activity has been disrupted. All laboratories, including the TB Laboratory, Central Laboratory, Centre for Human Viral Genome, Biobank, and the clinic, are operating without interruption, with routine processes ongoing.
