Monrovia, Liberia – The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), a cornerstone of the nation’s health system, is embroiled in a deepening leadership crisis that threatens its operational integrity and effectiveness. The turmoil has raised alarms about the institute’s ability to fulfill its critical mandate of safeguarding public health in Liberia.
At the center of the crisis is the Board of Directors’ recommendation to suspend Dr. Dugbeh Chris Nyan, the institute’s Director General, for one month without pay. The Board cited multiple violations of the NPHIL Act of 2016, including breaches of Sections 2.4, 4.3, 5.2, and 5.5, which govern the conduct and operations of the institute’s leadership.
This decision comes amid the indefinite suspension of Dr. Adams Lincoln, NPHIL’s Deputy Director for Administration, who is under investigation for alleged involvement in the theft of institute vehicles. Dr. Lincoln’s suspension was recently upheld by President Joseph Boakai, further complicating the leadership vacuum at NPHIL.
Established to strengthen Liberia’s public health infrastructure, NPHIL has played a pivotal role in managing major health crises, including the Ebola outbreak, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the ongoing fight against Monkeypox (Mpox). However, the current leadership turmoil has cast a shadow over the institute’s ability to respond effectively to emerging health threats.
The Board of Directors, in a resolution signed by its chairman, Dr. Stephen B. Kennedy, and six other members, expressed deep concerns over the institute’s operational challenges. These include lack of coordination between NPHIL and the Ministry of Health (MoH), budget submission irregularities, and communication breakdowns within the organization.
Board’s Recommendations and Actions
In a statement obtained by this publication, the Board outlined its decisions following a series of emergency meetings held on January 14 and 21, 2025. The Board constituted a Committee of Inquiry (CoI) to investigate the allegations and operational lapses. The findings, presented on February 4, 2025, led to the following recommendations:
1. Suspension of the Director General, Dr. Nyan is to be suspended for one month without pay, followed by a formal warning and closer oversight by the Board to ensure compliance with statutory responsibilities.
2. Indefinite Suspension of the Deputy Director General: Dr. Lincoln’s suspension with pay will continue pending the outcome of the vehicle theft investigation. He will also receive a formal warning regarding unauthorized communications with external parties.
3. Strengthening Institutional Oversight: The Board emphasized the need for clearer communication and reporting procedures to prevent future conflicts and ensure seamless operations.
The Board also pledged to play an active role in overseeing the ongoing investigation into the vehicle theft, stating that the probe is critical to restoring trust and accountability within NPHIL.
Broader Implications for Public Health
The leadership crisis has sparked fears about NPHIL’s ability to effectively manage public health emergencies. The institute’s statutory functions, including the declaration of outbreaks and coordination with international partners like the World Health Organization (WHO), are now under scrutiny.
The Board highlighted several areas of concern, including:
– Staff suspension procedures
– Budget submission processes
– Media relations and communication
– Administrative dysfunction
These issues, if left unresolved, could undermine Liberia’s preparedness for future health crises and erode public confidence in the institute.
