The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) made two payments to CGC Nigeria Limited, a Chinese-linked construction company, on December 25 and 27, 2025, totaling ₦10.648 billion. These payments were for a 30% mobilisation fee for the construction of NASENI's Abuja campus. The transactions have raised concerns about compliance with Nigeria's public procurement law, which stipulates a 15% ceiling for mobilisation fees.
According to government payment records, NASENI transferred ₦5.648 billion to CGC Nigeria Limited on December 25, 2025, described as the "Bal Payment for the 30% Mobilization fee" for the project. Two days later, another ₦5 billion was transferred to the same company, described as "Part Payment for the 30% Mobilization fee". The payments were made under NASENI's Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, who assumed office on September 4, 2023.
The Public Procurement Act 2007 provides that a mobilisation fee of not more than 15% may be paid to a supplier or contractor, subject to stipulated guarantees. The law also states that once a mobilisation fee has been paid, no further payment should be made to the supplier or contractor without an interim performance certificate issued in accordance with the contract agreement. The payments made by NASENI appear to raise questions about compliance with this statutory ceiling.
CGC Nigeria Limited is a Chinese-linked construction company operating in Nigeria and involved in various infrastructure projects across the country. The company's areas of operation include highways, bridges, water supply, dams, irrigation, airports, real estate, and other engineering and construction activities. The firm's involvement in the NASENI project has sparked concerns about the procurement process.
When contacted by SaharaReporters, Chima Akwaja, Deputy Director of Information at NASENI, stated that the questions had been forwarded to the agency's Director of Information, New Media and Protocol. He added that the reporter would soon be contacted "with the requisite information". However, at the time of publication, NASENI had not responded to the questions.
The payments made by NASENI to CGC Nigeria Limited have raised questions about the procurement process and potential breaches of public procurement law. The agency's failure to provide clarification on the matter has sparked concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
The development has highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in Nigeria's public procurement process. The government has emphasized the importance of adhering to procurement laws and regulations to ensure that public funds are used efficiently and effectively. The NASENI project is a significant infrastructure development, and the procurement process surrounding it must be thoroughly examined to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Key points
- NASENI paid ₦10.648 billion to CGC Nigeria Limited for a 30% mobilisation fee on its Abuja campus project.
- The payments raise questions about compliance with Nigeria's public procurement law, which stipulates a 15% ceiling for mobilisation fees.
- The procurement process surrounding the NASENI project must be thoroughly examined to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
