Reps panel concludes probe into promotion dispute involving NNRA DG

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has concluded its investigation into a petition filed against the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Dr Yau Idris, over the alleged denial of promotion to a pioneer staff member of the agency.

The Chairman of the Committee, Kwamoti La’ori, announced the closure of the hearing on Thursday evening, saying the panel would now prepare its final report containing findings and recommendations on the dispute.

The petition was filed by a Deputy Director and one of the pioneer employees of the NNRA, Mr Abdulhadi Abdullahi, who accused the agency’s management of unlawfully denying him promotion to the rank of Director despite allegedly meeting all statutory requirements.

Speaking with journalists after the hearing, Abdullahi expressed confidence in the committee’s handling of the matter, saying he believed lawmakers would arrive at a fair decision based on the documentary evidence presented before them.

“I believe this committee is doing the right thing. They listen to Nigerians with genuine complaints and examine documents without bias or favouritism. I believe they will do justice,” he said.

Abdullahi alleged that his ordeal began in 2011 when he first became eligible for promotion on merit.

“I became due for promotion to the position of Director on merit. I am one of the pioneer staff members of the Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, but I have remained on the rank of Deputy Director for over 10 years, whereas the normal progression should have taken only about four years,” he said.

The petitioner claimed that despite interventions by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the supervising ministry and other government institutions, the NNRA management failed to implement recommendations directing that he be promoted.

According to him, the matter was previously referred to the Alternative Dispute Resolution mechanism of the House Committee on Public Petitions, but efforts to resolve the dispute did not produce the desired outcome.

He alleged that the Director-General declined to implement recommendations arising from the mediation process.

Abdullahi also raised concerns over the handling of his Annual Performance Evaluation Report, insisting that he completed and submitted the required assessment forms but that the agency refused to receive them even after being directed by the committee to do so.

Another major issue raised by the petitioner related to the Director-level promotion examination conducted by the NNRA on April 16, 2026.

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According to him, although he received an invitation and reported for the examination, the exercise was delayed for several hours before the venue was moved from the authority’s ground-floor conference hall to the fourth-floor boardroom.

He alleged that while other candidates were informed of the change, he was prevented from accessing the new venue by security personnel.

“I was the only person blocked from entering the examination venue. I documented the entire incident because I knew it might later be denied,” he alleged.

Abdullahi further claimed that the prolonged delay in processing his promotion could prevent him from attaining the rank of Director before his retirement from the civil service.

While expressing optimism about the committee’s work, he also voiced concern over the implementation of any recommendations that may emerge from the investigation.

“I have confidence in the House of Representatives, but my concern is whether the recommendations will be implemented. Previous directives by relevant authorities have not been complied with,” he said, adding that he had also petitioned the Presidency and other government agencies without obtaining a resolution.

At the close of proceedings, La’ori formally declared the hearing concluded and said the committee would proceed to compile its report for presentation to the House.

The management of the NNRA was not present when the committee drew the curtain on the hearing.

The NNR is the federal agency responsible for regulating the peaceful use of nuclear and radioactive materials in Nigeria, with oversight responsibilities covering nuclear safety, radiation protection, security and safeguards.

The House Committee on Public Petitions is empowered to investigate complaints by individuals and organisations against government institutions and public officials. After concluding investigations, the committee submits its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives for consideration and possible adoption.

The committee’s report on the petition is expected to determine whether any administrative or legislative action should be taken regarding the allegations made against the leadership of the NNRA.