The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency (NBRDA) has affirmed the legitimacy of the renewal of Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha’s appointment as the Director-General.

In a statement yesterday, signed by the Press Secretary to the DG, Toyin Omozuwa, the agency faulted a news article published online, raising concerns and casting doubt on the reappointment of Mustapha.

The statement reads: “We find it necessary to correct the misleading narrative and reaffirm the objective and verifiable facts and legality of his renewal of appointment. Contrary to insinuations in the report, the renewal of the appointment of Prof Mustapha was duly authorised by President Bola Tinubu, by the provisions of Sections 10(1) and (3) of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022. This presidential approval was conveyed through a formal letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen George Akume, dated November 6, 2024, with reference number SGF.51/S.4/T./84.”

Emphasising that the SGF acted as an authorised channel in communicating the decision of the President, the agency asserted: “Spurious assertions by third parties or interest groups, such as the Independent Public Service Accountability Watch (IPSAW) and the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions do not override the legal powers vested in the President under the law. The claim that the renewal of an appointment violates extant regulations is inaccurate and unfounded.