The Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) has refuted claims of financial misconduct amounting to N391 million, describing the report as inaccurate, unverified, and misleading.
In an official statement from the Public Relations Unit, the institute defended its Director-General/CEO, Dr Joachim Joseph Ajakaiye, and the management team, stating that all financial and administrative processes strictly adhere to government regulations.
The acting Head of Public Relations, Mrs Malvis O. Ogenyi, rejected allegations that the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) was manipulated, explaining that the system is tightly controlled by multiple government institutions, making unauthorised interference unlikely.
NITR observed that the reported N391 million fraud claim was taken out of context and misrepresented, stating that its financial activities are routinely monitored by oversight bodies, including the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Auditor-General.
The institute also dismissed claims linking its chief executive to any criminal activity, pointing out that no court has found Dr Ajakaiye guilty of financial misconduct. It clarified that a referenced police case was unrelated to financial issues and was ultimately dismissed by the court for lack of merit.
On allegations of leadership irregularities, NITR described them as administrative issues that arose during a restructuring phase. It stated that all actions taken were intended to ensure stability and continuity within the institution.
Other accusations, such as phantom travel claims, inflated fuel expenses, and alleged “kick-and-share” practices, were described as speculative and based on anonymous sources, as the institute reiterated that its financial records are subject to both internal and external audits.
NITR further rejected allegations of staff victimisation, union interference, identity theft, and procurement misconduct, calling them baseless and defamatory, adding that staff postings and payments are carried out in accordance with civil service guidelines.
The institute criticised the report for relying on unnamed sources and for failing to seek its response before publication, stating that such practices undermine fair and balanced journalism.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency, NITR invited stakeholders and journalists to visit its facilities and engage directly with its leadership. The institute urged the public to disregard unverified claims and remain confident in its mission to combat trypanosomiasis and promote public health.
