The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has denied allegations of financial impropriety regarding the construction of its ongoing campus project. In a statement issued on Tuesday, NASENI's Director of Information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, accused two online media outfits, Sahara Reporters and Secret Reporters, of misleading the public with false and malicious publications. The allegations centered on a 30% contract mobilization fee paid to CGC Nigeria Limited.
According to NASENI, the two online media outfits did not wait for clarifications from the agency's management before publishing their reports. The agency stated that the Secret Reporters had claimed that NASENI paid N10.648 billion, which was 30% of the contract sum, to CGC Nigeria Limited in December 2025. However, NASENI described this claim as false.
NASENI provided clarification on the procurement process for the campus project. In 2025, the agency sought consultancy from reputable and qualified companies to handle the construction of the NASENI Campus, a flagship Science, Technology and Innovation Complex. The complex is designed to strengthen Nigeria's innovation ecosystem and will be situated at Abuja Technology Village, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT.
CGC Nigeria Limited emerged as the successful bidder after meeting all technical and financial requirements in line with the public procurement process of NASENI and the BPP Act as amended in the Finance Act, 2020. The company also provided a Bank Guarantee from a reputable commercial bank in Nigeria. The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the award of the contract to CGC Nigeria Limited in November 2025.
NASENI stated that the payment of 30% of the total contract sum to CGC Nigeria Limited was in line with the BPP financial regulations and procedures. This enabled the company to mobilize to the project site. The 30% cap on mobilization fees for government contracts in Nigeria was introduced under the Finance Act 2020, which amended the Public Procurement Act 2007.
The Finance Act 2020 increased the maximum allowable mobilization fee to contractors from 15% to 30%. NASENI emphasized that the payment of the mobilization fee to the contractor met all statutory, legal, and procurement requirements for awarding public contracts. The agency's statement aimed to correct the "absurdities" being promoted as truths by the two online media outfits.
The NASENI Campus project is a significant initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria's innovation ecosystem. The agency's commitment to transparency and accountability in the procurement process is evident in its detailed clarification of the events surrounding the contract award and mobilization fee payment. The project is expected to be completed and become a hub for science, technology, and innovation in Nigeria.
Key points
- NASENI denies allegations of financial impropriety in the campus project.
- The agency clarifies that the 30% mobilization fee payment was in line with BPP financial regulations.
- The Finance Act 2020 increased the maximum allowable mobilization fee to contractors from 15% to 30%.
