A staggering web of corruption is unraveling at the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), where its Director-General, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, has allegedly looted over ₦1 billion within a single year through fraudulent contracts, insider-linked companies, and systemic abuse of public funds.
An Akelicious investigation has uncovered how Mustapha, a former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University and reappointed in 2024 by President Bola Tinubu for another five-year term, has been awarding multimillion-naira contracts to inactive or non-tax-compliant companies — many of which are allegedly connected to him or his associates.
A Breakdown of the Scandal:
Mirkhal Multi-Services Ltd. – Paid ₦84,084,093.02 in October 2025 for solar street lights in Rimin Gado LGA, Kano, despite lacking tax compliance and project verification.
Tanjee Real Estate Developers and Properties Ltd. – Received ₦24.89 million for electricity reactivation in Okon Eket, Akwa Ibom. The company has no known track record in power infrastructure.
Absolute Quant Consult Ltd. – Paid ₦7.5 million for an administrative building expansion at NABDA HQ. Contract remains unexecuted.
Unified Autos Nig Ltd. – An automobile dealer curiously awarded ₦289 million contract for infrastructure upgrades in Kano. ₦76 million already disbursed.
Arabs & Partners Ltd. – Received ₦35.4 million as mobilization for solar streetlights in Kaduna, though it remains non-tax compliant and unqualified.
Jidas Nigeria Ltd. – Paid ₦23 million for solar projects in Sokoto with no evidence of work commenced.
Gabbylynn Investment Ltd. – Awarded ₦74.3 million for unspecified projects, with zero documentation of execution.
Despite numerous red flags, payments were made in quick succession, often with no visible execution on ground. NABDA insiders allege the companies serve as conduits to siphon funds back to the DG and his network.
President Bola Tinubu reappointed Prof. Mustapha in 2024 for a second term, despite growing allegations of fiscal misconduct under his leadership since 2020. Critics now question the vetting process and accountability mechanisms in top-level appointments.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. More ghost projects, inflated contracts, and insider deals are buried within NABDA’s books,” a senior agency staff told Akelicious under the condition of anonymity.
CALL FOR INVESTIGATION
Civil society groups are calling for an immediate forensic audit of NABDA’s accounts and an independent panel to investigate the DG’s tenure. Anti-corruption bodies like the EFCC and ICPC have been urged to take urgent action before more public funds vanish.
Nigeria must ask: Is science and innovation just another cover for state-sanctioned looting?