NITR Financial Misconduct Claims denied as institute refutes N391m allegation, calling report misleading and affirming compliance with regulations

The Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research has dismissed allegations of financial misconduct involving N391 million, describing the claims as inaccurate, unverified and misleading.

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The institute, through its Public Relations Unit, defended its Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Joachim Joseph Ajakaiye, alongside the management team, insisting that all financial and administrative operations are conducted in strict compliance with government regulations and established procedures.

Addressing the NITR Financial Misconduct Claims, the acting Head of Public Relations, Mrs Malvis O. Ogenyi, rejected suggestions that the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System was manipulated.

She explained that the platform is governed by strict controls involving multiple government oversight institutions, making unauthorised interference highly unlikely.

NITR further stated that the alleged N391 million discrepancy had been taken out of context, adding that its financial activities are routinely subjected to scrutiny by relevant authorities, including the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Auditor-General.

The institute maintained that its books remain open to both internal and external audit processes.

The institute also dismissed any implication of wrongdoing involving its chief executive, noting that no court has found Dr Ajakaiye culpable of financial misconduct.

It clarified that a previously referenced police matter was unrelated to financial issues and had been dismissed for lack of merit.

On questions surrounding leadership structure, NITR described the concerns as administrative in nature, arising during an internal restructuring process aimed at maintaining operational stability and continuity. It stressed that all decisions taken were guided by institutional procedures.

The institute also refuted additional allegations, including claims of inflated operational costs, procurement irregularities and staff victimisation, describing them as speculative and unsupported by verified evidence.

It emphasised that all personnel and financial transactions are conducted in line with civil service rules and accountability frameworks.

NITR criticised the report that sparked the controversy for relying on unnamed sources and for not seeking its response prior to publication, arguing that such practices fall short of professional journalistic standards.

Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, the institute invited members of the public and media practitioners to engage directly with its leadership and verify information through official channels.

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It urged Nigerians to disregard unsubstantiated claims and remain confident in its mandate to combat trypanosomiasis and support public health initiatives.