A major crisis has erupted at the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants, and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI), as disgruntled staff members staged a protest and shut down the Commission’s head office in Abuja. The protest is directed at the Federal Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer, Aliyu Ahmed, with employees demanding his immediate removal.

The protesting staff accuse Ahmed of gross mismanagement, poor staff welfare, a lack of financial transparency, and misappropriation of critical resources, particularly the Ecological Fund.

Appointed in September 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Ahmed’s tenure—now in its 21st month—has come under intense scrutiny. Reports from The Guardian indicate that his administration has been riddled with complaints ranging from neglect of staff welfare to selective and questionable distribution of relief materials.

An anonymous senior staff member revealed that despite several internal memos requesting equitable distribution of aid to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) across various zones, only Nasarawa State—Ahmed’s home state—receives regular supplies. “Other zonal offices are left out. Sometimes the relief items expire or spoil and are eventually discarded,” the source lamented.

The situation appears dire on multiple fronts. Employees allege that travel allowances remain unpaid months after funds were approved. Additionally, money reportedly disbursed for staff welfare during festive periods such as Sallah and Christmas allegedly never reached a single staff member.

This isn’t the first time the Commission’s handling of relief materials has raised eyebrows. Last year, a large stockpile of aid intended for IDPs was found hoarded in classrooms at the Durumi IDP camp in Abuja. That incident sparked a federal investigation into the suspected diversion of humanitarian assistance.

As frustration reaches boiling point, protesting staff are calling for sweeping reforms within the NCFRMI. Their demands include the immediate removal of Aliyu Ahmed, fair and improved staff welfare, transparency in financial dealings, and accountability in the management of relief efforts and funds.

Demonstrators have vowed to sustain the protest until their demands are fully addressed, underscoring the growing concerns over the Commission’s integrity and commitment to its mandate.