CPTA Applauds NAPTIN’s Commitment to Accountability, Seeks Accurate Media Reporting
The Centre for Peace, Transparency and Accountability (CPTA) has called on media organisations to review and correct reports alleging that the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) failed to remit ₦2.77 billion in tender fees into the Federation Account, following fresh clarifications received from the institute.
The Executive Director of CPTA, Comrade Patrick Ogheneyero Jr., made the call on Monday, during a world press conference in Abuja, where he disclosed that the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation had reportedly acknowledged that the information forming the basis of the allegation was wrongly published.
The controversy followed a report published by Secrets Reporters on September 5, 2026, alleging that NAPTIN failed to remit ₦2,771,731,464.25 generated from tender fees into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) of the Federation.
The publication also raised 10 other allegations of financial and procurement irregularities involving more than ₦3.6 billion.
Ogheneyero explained that CPTA commenced a formal inquiry on September 8, 2026, to establish the facts surrounding the allegations and obtain clarification from the relevant institution.
He said the organisation subsequently wrote to NAPTIN, requesting explanations on the reported revenue collections, remittances, procurement transactions and audit observations.
According to him, NAPTIN later invited the centre for an engagement, during which its management addressed the concerns raised and provided relevant explanations.
He disclosed that one of the major clarifications concerned the alleged ₦2.77 billion non-remittance, which NAPTIN reportedly informed the organisation had been acknowledged as an erroneous publication by the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation.
“Based on the explanations presented to us, CPTA considers it necessary to clarify that the reported ₦2.77 billion non-remittance should not be presented as an established case of financial misconduct,” he said.
The CPTA executive director stressed that audit observations, accounting discrepancies and proven financial misconduct were distinct matters that must be assessed through verified evidence, due process and applicable financial regulations.
He further disclosed that the centre received clarification that NAPTIN generated ₦720,000 in tender fees in 2022 and ₦740,000 in 2024, with both amounts reportedly remitted into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
Ogheneyero maintained that CPTA’s initial investigation was neither politically motivated nor intended to discredit NAPTIN or its officials, but was undertaken in good faith and in the public interest.
He said civil society organisations had a responsibility to investigate credible allegations involving public resources, while ensuring that accountability efforts were not used to promote unverified claims or cause unnecessary reputational damage to individuals and institutions.
He acknowledged NAPTIN’s management for responding to the organisation’s enquiries and demonstrating openness through its engagement with civil society.
While recognising the institute’s role in developing technical skills and professional capacity for Nigeria’s electricity industry, he emphasised the importance of sustained scrutiny, transparency and prudent financial management in public institutions.
Consequently, CPTA urged media organisations, online publishers and other commentators that circulated the initial allegation to review their reports and make appropriate corrections or updates in the light of the latest clarification.
The organisation also called on the Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation to formally address the reported error through appropriate channels, noting that the accuracy of public audit reports was essential to maintaining confidence in accountability institutions.
It further encouraged NAPTIN’s management to sustain transparency, sound financial management and constructive engagement with oversight institutions and civil society organisations.
Ogheneyero reaffirmed CPTA’s commitment to promoting responsible governance, institutional integrity and accountability in Nigeria’s public sector, stressing that the organisation would continue to investigate credible concerns involving public resources and demand explanations where necessary.
He added that the centre would equally acknowledge verified information that disproved previous allegations, noting that responsible accountability required not only exposing wrongdoing but also correcting misinformation and protecting institutional credibility.
“Where there is evidence of wrongdoing, it must be exposed. Where information is found to be inaccurate, it must be corrected. And where institutions demonstrate openness and responsiveness, such conduct deserves recognition,” he said.