The Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) has strongly denied allegations of financial misconduct amounting to ₦391 million, describing a recent report by Sahara Reporters as “misleading, unsubstantiated, and riddled with distortions.”
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Unit, the institute defended its Director-General/CEO, Dr. Joachim Joseph Ajakaiye, and the leadership, insisting that all financial and administrative activities are conducted in strict compliance with government regulations.
The Acting Head of Public Relations, Mrs. Malvis O. Ogenyi, in the statement also refuted claims of manipulation of the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), calling such assertions inaccurate.
She explained that the system is “governed by strict institutional controls involving multiple government agencies,” making unilateral interference impossible.
“The allegations of financial misappropriation, including the purported ₦391 million fraudulent expenditure, are misrepresented and taken out of context,” the statement said, adding that NITR’s finances are subject to oversight by authorities such as 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 wrongdoing, noting that “no court of competent jurisdiction has ever convicted Dr. Joachim Joseph Ajakaiye of any financial wrongdoing.” It clarified that a referenced police case “has nothing to do with financial allegations” and was instead “an administrative gap” that was ultimately struck out by the court for lack of merit.
Addressing allegations of leadership irregularities, NITR described them as administrative challenges during a period of institutional restructuring.
“At no point did the current leadership act with the intention to subvert lawful authority,” the statement said, stressing that decisions were made in the interest of stability and continuity.
Further allegations including phantom travels, inflated fuel claims, and “kick-and-share” arrangements were described as speculative and based on anonymous sources.
“Financial expenditures of the Institute are subject to routine internal and external audits,” the statement noted.
NITR also rejected claims of staff victimization and union compromise, maintaining that postings and payments follow established civil service rules.
Allegations of identity theft and procurement irregularities were similarly dismissed as “baseless and defamatory.”
The institute criticized the report’s reliance on unnamed sources and lack of engagement prior to publication, stating that such an approach “undermines the principles of balanced reporting, fairness and the ethos of investigative journalism.”
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability, NITR invited stakeholders and journalists to visit its facilities and engage directly with management and staff.
“We urge the public to disregard and avoid drawing conclusions based on unverified media reports,” the statement concluded, adding that the institute remains focused on its mission to combat trypanosomiasis and promote public health.
