The Joint Unions of the Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) have dismissed a Sahara Reporters article published on April 16, 2026, that alleged staff intimidation, mass redundancy, and financial misconduct at the institute. Speaking at a news briefing in Kaduna, union chairman Comrade Dr. Umar Musa described the report as misleading and lacking balance, noting that the media outlet did not seek the institute's response before publication. Musa refuted claims that Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) operatives blocked a senior staff member from accessing her office, explaining that she had been redeployed to the North-East Zonal Office in Gombe in March 2026 and had formally handed over her duties. He stated her presence in Kaduna was solely for an Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) matter, not to resume duty.
The union chairman confirmed that investigations into financial misconduct involving CEO Dr. J.J. Ajakaiye and other officials are ongoing, with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and ICPC handling the cases. He cautioned against assuming guilt before findings are released. Musa also rejected claims of 92 new recruitments in 2026, stating no such exercise had taken place, and dismissed reports of over 900 idle staff as malicious. He emphasized ongoing research on sleeping sickness and river blindness, with field operations in Bauchi, Ondo, Bayelsa, and Gombe. Despite delays in capital funding, Musa said staff remain committed to donor projects and core research. The union urged media organisations to verify facts before publishing.
Dr. Umar Musa's denial of staff intimidation clashes with the timing of the reported NSCDC presence during a senior worker's ICPC visit, raising questions about the nature of that interaction. While he insists the redeployment was routine, the decision to involve security forces during what he describes as a personal ICPC matter appears inconsistent. Over 900 staff being labeled idle while research continues under funding delays suggests a disconnect between operational claims and workforce perception. For workers in Kaduna, Gombe, and field locations, the dispute threatens morale amid ongoing investigations that have yet to produce findings.
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