By Emmanuel Thomas l Tuesday, Sept 29, 2027
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has dismissed online media reports alleging financial impropriety in its handling of the ongoing construction of the NASENI Campus project in Abuja, describing the publications as false, malicious, and calculated to mislead the public.
In a press statement signed by the Director of Information, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, on September 29, 2026, the Agency addressed reports published by two online platforms, Sahara Reporters and Secret Reporters, regarding the payment of a mobilisation fee to CGC Nigeria Limited for the construction of its flagship Science, Technology, and Innovation Complex situated at the Abuja Technology Village in Lugbe.
Clarifying the allegations, NASENI explained that the payment of a 30% contract mobilisation fee to CGC Nigeria Limited fully complied with statutory and procurement regulations governing public contracts in Nigeria.
Compliance with Finance Act 2020
Addressing claims by Sahara Reporters that the 30% payment breached public procurement limits, NASENI noted that the media house relied on outdated procurement laws.
According to the Agency, Part XIV, Section 35(1)(a) of the Finance Act 2020 amended Section 35 of the Public Procurement Act No. 17 of 2007, raising the maximum allowable mobilisation fee for public contractors from 15% to 30%.
”In addition to any other regulation as may be prescribed by the Bureau, a mobilization fee of not more than 30% for contractors may be paid to a supplier or contractor supported by an unconditional bank guarantee or insurance bond issued by an institution acceptable to the procuring entity until the mobilization fee is fully amortised or recovered,” Section 35(1) of the Finance Act 2020 states.
NASENI further refuted allegations by Secret Reporters suggesting that N10.648 billion was paid hastily in December 2025 to mop up funds.
The Agency emphasized that CGC Nigeria Limited emerged following a competitive bidding process, obtained a Certificate of No Objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), and received approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) in November 2025 before contract execution.
Prior to the disbursement of funds, CGC Nigeria Limited submitted an unconditional Bank Guarantee from a reputable commercial bank in Nigeria in accordance with approved financial procedures.
Progress on NASENI Campus Project
NASENI reiterated that construction work on the complex is progressing steadily to establish a state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to bridge the gap between research prototypes and market-ready industrial products.
Upon completion, the complex will feature:
Advanced research laboratories and prototyping facilities
Fabrication plants for industrial-scale testing
Co-working spaces and collaborative learning hubs for engineers, innovators, and industry partners.
The Agency highlighted that the project aligns with its strategic 3Cs framework—Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization—providing a pipeline for homegrown innovations, including those from national initiatives like #InnovateNaija and Futuremakers, to transition into viable economic ventures.
NASENI urged media organizations to verify claims with relevant authorities before publishing unverified reports capable of misinforming the public on public agency activities.
