Posted on: Fri 05-09-2025

The Passing of Emmanuel Nnanna Friday and An Urgent Call for Systemic Change

On August 27, 2025, the sudden death of Mr. Emmanuel Nnanna Friday, a contract Human Capital Management Officer at NNPC Medical Services Limited (NMSL), Port Harcourt, has prompted renewed scrutiny of labor practices and emergency preparedness within the institution. Emmanuel, a third-party staff member commonly referred to as “locum,” collapsed shortly after a virtual meeting and was later found unresponsive at his workstation.

Prior to his collapse, Emmanuel had reportedly requested medication (Nifedipine) but was denied access due to internal policies restricting drug provision to locum staff.

This incident has reignited concerns over the treatment of locum staff at NMSL. Many have served for decades without conversion to permanent roles, receiving limited benefits and earning modest wages. These workers reportedly lack access to:

• Hazard allowances
• Overtime pay
• Medical care within the facility
• Pension enrollment
• Leave entitlements

Sources allege that locum staff often pool resources to cover medical expenses for colleagues, while permanent staff and their relatives receive free treatment.

Critics argue that the staffing model at NMSL is sustained by contract arrangements that benefit select individuals, including retired management personnel. While other Strategic Business Units under NNPC have reportedly transitioned locum staff to permanent roles, NMSL has yet to follow suit.

The case of Emmanuel is not isolated. Past incidents involving other staff members—including deaths and medical emergencies—have been cited as evidence of systemic neglect.

Response and Demands

Following Emmanuel’s death, management reportedly issued a condolence message and organized a memorial event. However, critics view these actions as insufficient and call for deeper accountability.

The concerned locum staff members who reached out to Medicalworld Nigeria outlined a series of demands, including:

1. Independent investigation into the circumstances of Emmanuel’s death
2. Public accountability for emergency preparedness and staff welfare
3. Conversion of long-serving locum staff to permanent roles
4. Equal healthcare access for all categories of staff
5. Payment of statutory allowances
6. Pension and insurance enrollment
7. Support for Emmanuel’s family
8. Upgrade of emergency equipment across facilities
9. Review of contract practices
10. Transparent salary structures
11. Annual leave entitlements
12. Recognition of service years in career progression

Emmanuel’s passing has become a rallying point for healthcare workers advocating for fair treatment and institutional reform. Stakeholders—including government agencies, labor unions, and civil society—are being urged to intervene and ensure that the rights of NSML healthcare workers are upheld.

Disclaimer: This article was submitted anonymously to Medical World Nigeria. The views and claims expressed herein reflect the concerns of the locum staffs aat NSML and do not necessarily represent the official position of Medical World Nigeria. All efforts have been made to present the information responsibly and in the public interest.

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