EPA denies sacking relatives of late Dr Murtala Mohammed

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Professor Michael Ayamga, has dismissed reports suggesting that relatives of the late Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, have been dismissed from the Authority.

The claims, which have been circulating in the media, alleged that some family members of the late minister were removed from their positions following his death.

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However, speaking on Joy Prime on Monday, June 22, 2026, Professor Ayamga stated that no such dismissals had taken place.

“I want to put it on record that this is totally false, and I think we have to be forthright. There has not been any termination of anyone at the EPA that I am aware of,” he said.

He explained that the issue relates to expired contracts, adding that the Authority is currently working to regularise the status of contract staff whose engagements have ended, pending the necessary approvals.

“What has happened is that some people's contracts have expired, and we are in the process of regularising them. We are also seeking additional clearances to cover the numerous contract staff we have, and these processes take time,” he explained.

Professor Ayamga further noted that once the required clearances are granted and administrative procedures completed, affected staff would be considered in accordance with due process.

He also revealed that even before the late minister's passing, there were concerns regarding procurement and alleged attempts by some individuals to influence recruitment at the EPA.

“As and when we are able to secure the necessary clearances and complete the administrative processes, more people can be brought on board,” he stated.

He added that the late minister had previously cautioned him and the EPA's Chief Executive Officer against external influences and unsolicited recommendations.

“I must put on record that even before the late minister passed away, something happened, and he called the CEO and me to his office. It was related to procurement. People were bringing names and companies to us, claiming that the minister had sent them,” he revealed.

“So I approached him one day and asked what the problem was because so many people were coming to us. He then called the CEO and me to his office and instructed us not to accept any list or company from anybody unless it came directly from him,” he added.

Professor Ayamga stressed that the EPA operates strict recruitment procedures and does not bypass due process based on recommendations or personal connections.

“The EPA is an institution, and everybody who is qualified is entitled to have a fair chance of securing a job at the EPA. Recommendations must still go through the proper process,” he emphasised.

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He further denied claims that any official list or CVs linked to the late minister were being used to influence recruitment decisions.

“As we speak now, there is no list anywhere bearing the inscription ‘Honourable Murtala’ on it. There is no CV before us with the description ‘Murtala’s brother’ on it,” he stated.

Watch the video below:



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