A tragic incident at the NNPC Medical Services Limited (NMSL) in Port Harcourt has sparked outrage and renewed calls for reform. Emmanuel Nnanna Friday, a Human Capital Management Officer, died on August 27 under circumstances staff linked to negligence and poor medical infrastructure.
Allegations of Negligence
Eyewitnesses reported that Emmanuel joined a virtual meeting with Acting Managing Director Dr. Dickson Bada shortly before collapsing at his desk. Colleagues tried to resuscitate him, but the Accident and Emergency Unit lacked basic life-saving tools such as an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), suction machine, and an ambu bag.
Furthermore, staff alleged that Emmanuel had earlier requested a tablet of Nifedipine from the clinic pharmacy but was denied because of management’s instruction restricting drug access for locum workers. As a result, many employees believe his death exposed a deeper culture of neglect within the institution.
Systemic Exploitation of Locum Staff
According to the Concerned LOCUM Staff Group, Emmanuel’s death highlighted long-standing exploitation at NMSL. Locum staff make up more than 95% of the workforce and carry most of the clinical responsibilities. Yet, they earn as little as ₦200,000 monthly without pension, job security, or career advancement opportunities.
In a statement titled “The Tragic Death of Emmanuel Nnanna Friday: A Call for Justice at NMSL”, the group stressed:
“The exploitation is systematic and comprehensive. Locum staff receive no hazard allowance despite high-risk work, no overtime pay despite extended hours, and no healthcare access in the very facility where they treat others.”
The group also revealed that some workers have served for over 24 years without conversion to permanent roles, leaving them trapped in what they described as “modern-day slavery.”
Demands for Reform
Consequently, the staff group issued several demands:
- Launch an independent investigation into Emmanuel’s death.
- Hold NMSL management publicly accountable.
- Convert long-serving locum staff to permanent positions.
- Provide equal access to healthcare for all employees.
- Pay hazard, overtime, and leave allowances.
- Enroll locum staff in pension and health insurance schemes.
- Compensate Emmanuel’s wife and three children.
Calls for Wider Accountability
Moreover, the group urged the Federal Ministry of Labour, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and civil society organisations to intervene.
“The cycle of preventable deaths must end. Equal work deserves equal pay and benefits. Healthcare workers demand dignity, not exploitation,” the group insisted.
The incident has intensified scrutiny of NMSL’s employment practices. Unless authorities act, workers warn that Nigeria’s healthcare system risks further decline as those who sustain it remain undervalued and vulnerable.