Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) has dismissed allegations of a ₦391 million fraud, describing a report by Sahara Reporters as inaccurate, unverified, and misleading.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Unit, the institute defended its Director-General/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Joachim Joseph Ajakaiye, and the management, insisting that all financial and administrative procedures are conducted in strict compliance with established government regulations.
Acting Head of Public Relations, Mrs. Malvis O. Ogenyi, rejected claims that the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) was manipulated, noting that the platform is subject to multi-layered controls by relevant government institutions, making unauthorized interference highly improbable.
The institute said the reported ₦391 million fraud allegation was taken out of context and misrepresented, stressing that its financial operations are routinely scrutinized by oversight agencies, including the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Office of the Auditor-General.
NITR also dismissed claims linking its Director-General to any criminal activity, stating that no court has found Dr. Ajakaiye guilty of financial misconduct.
It clarified that a police case referenced in the report was unrelated to financial matters and was dismissed for lack of merit.
On allegations of leadership irregularities, the institute described them as administrative issues that emerged during a restructuring process, adding that all actions taken were aimed at ensuring institutional stability and continuity.
The institute further described claims of phantom travel expenses, inflated fuel costs, and alleged “kick-and-share” practices as speculative and based on anonymous sources, reiterating that its financial records are subjected to both internal and external audits.
It also refuted allegations of staff victimization, union interference, identity theft, and procurement breaches, labeling them as baseless and defamatory.
According to the institute, staff postings and payments are carried out in line with civil service rules.
NITR faulted the report for relying on unnamed sources and failing to seek its response prior to publication, noting that such practices undermine the principles of fair and balanced journalism.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the institute invited stakeholders and members of the media to visit its facilities and engage directly with its leadership.
It urged the public to disregard unverified claims and remain confident in its mandate to combat trypanosomiasis and promote public health.
