morgaNABLE politics/Governance
The agency further faulted the reports for failing to seek clarification before publication, noting that the lack of balance contributed to the spread of misinformation.
Kano—
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure has denied allegations of financial impropriety over the payment of N10.6bn to a contractor handling the construction of its proposed campus in Abuja, insisting that the disbursement followed due process and complied with extant procurement laws.
The agency, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, described reports by two online media platforms as “false, malicious and misleading,” stating that the mobilisation fee paid to CGC Nigeria Limited was lawful and within the limits permitted under the Public Procurement Act as amended.
At the centre of the controversy is the payment of N10.648bn to the contractor, which represents 30 per cent of the total contract sum for the NASENI Campus project, a flagship Science, Technology and Innovation complex being developed at the Abuja Technology Village in Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory.
Some media reports had alleged that the payment was made hurriedly in December 2025 to “mop up funds,” while also suggesting that the agency breached procurement rules by exceeding the allowable mobilisation threshold.
However, NASENI rejected the claims, explaining that the 30 per cent mobilisation fee aligns with provisions of the Finance Act 2020, which amended the Public Procurement Act 2007 by raising the maximum allowable advance payment to contractors from 15 per cent to 30 per cent.
“The publications are false, malicious and intended to deceive the public,” the statement read.
“The insinuation that the agency hurriedly paid the sum to mop up funds is untrue, while the reference to a 15 per cent mobilisation threshold reflects ignorance of the amendment introduced by the Finance Act 2020.”it added.
The agency further faulted the reports for failing to seek clarification before publication, noting that the lack of balance contributed to the spread of misinformation.
Providing details of the procurement process, NASENI said it engaged in a transparent selection procedure in 2025, inviting reputable and qualified firms to handle the construction of the campus.
According to the agency, CGC Nigeria Limited emerged as the successful bidder after meeting all technical and financial requirements.
It added that the contract award received a Certificate of No Objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement, confirming compliance with regulatory standards.
“Before the payment was made, the contractor provided a bank guarantee from a reputable commercial bank in Nigeria, in line with approved procedures,” the agency said. “Additionally, the Federal Executive Council approved the award of the contract in November 2025.”
NASENI explained that the mobilisation payment was necessary to enable the contractor to move to site and commence work, stressing that such payments are standard practice in public infrastructure projects.
Citing the amended law, the agency noted that Section 35(a)(1) of the Public Procurement Act, as revised by the Finance Act 2020, allows for a mobilisation fee of up to 30 per cent, provided it is backed by an unconditional bank guarantee or insurance bond.
“The payment of the mobilisation fee met all statutory, legal and procurement requirements,” the statement added.
The agency also used the opportunity to caution media organisations against publishing unverified claims, urging journalists to seek official clarification before reporting on sensitive matters involving public institutions.
“The media is advised to verify information and ensure balanced reporting,” it said. “NASENI remains committed to transparency, accountability and due process in all its operations.”
Beyond addressing the allegations, the agency highlighted the strategic importance of the NASENI Campus project, describing it as a major intervention aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
According to NASENI, the facility will house research laboratories, advanced prototyping and fabrication units, co-working spaces, and collaborative learning environments designed to bridge the gap between research and commercialisation.
“The campus is being developed to tackle a critical challenge—helping promising Nigerian ideas move beyond research and prototypes into market-ready products and industries,” the statement said.
The agency added that the project would serve as a hub where researchers, engineers, innovators and industry players can collaborate to drive technological advancement and economic growth.
NASENI also pointed to recent recognition of its performance, noting that it was named the Best Federal Ministry, Department and Agency in Digital Transformation for 2025/2026 at the 8th Nigeria E-Government Summit and Awards held in Lagos.
The agency emerged top among nominees with 57.4 per cent of votes cast, ahead of the National Identity Management Commission and the Nigeria Revenue Service.
Speaking at the event, the convener of the summit, Lanre Ajayi, described the recognition as a reflection of significant reforms and improvements within the agency, particularly since the appointment of its Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu.
Representing the agency at the award ceremony, Ayeoyenikan highlighted ongoing digital transformation efforts, including the deployment of enterprise resource planning systems to enhance efficiency and productivity.
“At NASENI, you don’t see papers anymore. Our offices have been fully digitised, and this extends beyond administration to all our operations,” he said.
He noted that digitisation has improved transparency, reduced bureaucracy and positioned the agency as a leader in the adoption of technology-driven governance systems.
Ajayi, in his remarks, said the awards were based on votes cast by over 33,000 Nigerians and rigorous verification processes to ensure credibility.
He described the winners as examples of what is possible when public institutions embrace innovation and accountability.
Despite the accolades, NASENI’s recent clarification underscores the scrutiny faced by public agencies in the management of large-scale projects and funds.
As work continues on the NASENI Campus project, the agency maintains that it remains committed to due process and delivering infrastructure that supports Nigeria’s technological and industrial development goals.
