The National Biotechnology Research and Development Agency has clarified that the renewal of Prof Abdullahi Mustapha’s appointment as Director-General was officially endorsed by President Bola Tinubu and is in line with the provisions of Nigerian law.

It disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday by the Press Secretary to the DG, NBRDA, Toyin Omozuwa.

NBRDA is a Nigerian government agency established under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology. Its primary mandate is to conduct research, promote, coordinate, and develop biotechnology in Nigeria for the country’s socio-economic well-being.

Addressing concerns raised by a media outlet that questioned the legitimacy of Mustapha’s reappointment, NBRDA confirmed that the renewal was authorsed by the President in accordance with the National Biotechnology Development Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022.

“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, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 10(1) and (3) of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (Establishment) Act, 2022,” the agency said.

It said the approval of his appointment was communicated through a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, on November 6, 2024.

The agency emphasised that third-party claims, particularly from the Independent Public Service Accountability Watch and the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions, which raised doubts about the legality of Mustapha’s reappointment, lacked any legal foundation.

NBRDA pointed out that these assertions do not override the legal powers vested in the President under the law. It argued that the Secretary-General of the Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions, Prof Theophilus Ndubuaku, in a congratulatory letter dated November 18, 2024, had praised Mustapha for his leadership during his first term.

Ndubuaku commended Mustapha for bringing stability to NBRDA and for his role in mentoring young researchers. This praise, NBRDA noted, makes it difficult to reconcile the recent calls for a change in leadership, suggesting that the push for a shift in leadership may not be rooted in national interest.

Mustapha’s reappointment, which took effect on October 31, 2024, is set for a final five-year term. Under his leadership, NBRDA has made significant progress in advancing indigenous pharmaceutical production and strengthening research capacity within the country.

NBRDA stressed that Mustapha’s reappointment was based on legal compliance, merit, and the agency’s ongoing development under his leadership.

The agency urged the media to exercise caution and diligence in reporting on such matters to avoid disseminating misleading information that could undermine public trust in government processes.