The Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research (NITR) has said delays in the release of government funds are responsible for the slower pace of some research activities at the agency.

The statement was made on Thursday by the institute’s joint unions during a press conference held at its headquarters in Kaduna.

The unions also dismissed reports claiming that over 900 staff members were idle, describing the allegation as false and malicious.

Speaking on behalf of the workers, Joint Chairman Dr Umar Musa said the recent media report failed to present a balanced story because the institute was not contacted before publication.

According to him, some field projects and capital-intensive research programmes have slowed down mainly because approved funds for the 2025 budget have not been fully released.

He explained that these delays have affected the speed and scale of research operations, especially projects that require equipment, travel, and field activities.

Despite the challenges, the unions said staff members have remained committed to their duties.

They noted that workers are still supporting donor-funded programmes, collaborative research efforts, and other core institutional responsibilities.

The unions stressed that claims of mass absenteeism were aimed at damaging the image of the institute.

They also responded to allegations of financial misconduct involving the institute’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr J.J. Ajakaiye, saying the matter is already under investigation by anti-graft agencies and should be left to the proper authorities.

On claims of staff intimidation, the unions clarified that a senior officer mentioned in reports had only been officially transferred to the North-East Zonal Office in Gombe in line with public service rules.

They also denied rumours of secret recruitment, saying no such exercise had taken place.

The institute reaffirmed its commitment to research on neglected tropical diseases such as sleeping sickness and river blindness.

According to the unions, ongoing field activities are still taking place in states including Bauchi, Ondo, Bayelsa, and Gombe.

NITR remains one of Nigeria’s key research agencies focused on disease surveillance, vector control, and public health studies.

The workers called on the public to ignore misleading reports and urged media organisations to verify facts before publication.