Internal Revolt Rocks NEPC Over Alleged ₦72m Unbudgeted Redeployment Under Executive Director Nonye Ayeni
There is growing internal unrest within the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) following allegations of financial impropriety linked to a nationwide staff redeployment exercise estimated to cost ₦72 million under the leadership of Executive Director, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni.
Multiple senior NEPC sources told SaharaReporters that the ₦72 million represents cumulative transfer allowances for officers affected by recent mass redeployments across state and zonal offices. The sources clarified that the amount was not released by Mrs. Ayeni but reflects expected liabilities arising from the exercise.
However, insiders said the expenditure was neither provided for in the NEPC’s 2025 budget nor captured in its approved procurement plan, raising concerns over possible violations of public financial regulations.
Senior officials questioned the necessity of the redeployment, describing it as an ego-driven decision lacking operational justification, particularly amid funding constraints, poor staff welfare and abandoned training programmes.
Sources further alleged that staff training programmes for part of 2024 and the entire 2025 were either abandoned or not conducted, while resources were allegedly being earmarked for redeployment allowances.
According to top NEPC sources, the proposed payment is widely viewed internally as a misuse of public funds, especially given allegations that management is considering short-paying affected staff by reducing their Daily Travelling Allowance (DTA) or replacing air tickets with kilometre allowances, contrary to Public Service Rules.
The redeployments reportedly took effect on December 1, 2025, yet transfer allowances remain unpaid, fuelling anger and resentment among affected officers.
Tensions reportedly peaked during an emergency General Staff Meeting held on January 15, 2026, at the NEPC Auditorium in Abuja, with virtual participation from state offices nationwide. Sources said Mrs. Ayeni appeared unsettled during the meeting and appealed to staff to avoid escalating the crisis, urging them to “keep our secrets from outsiders.”
The meeting followed a January 9, 2026 press statement by the Arewa Progressive Assembly, published by Vanguard, calling on the ICPC and EFCC to investigate alleged irregularities under Mrs. Ayeni’s leadership.
While Mrs. Ayeni reportedly promised to address staff grievances, including non-training of officers, many staff left unconvinced, viewing the assurances as attempts to temporarily calm tensions.
SaharaReporters learnt that aggrieved staff are now considering a nationwide strike if management fails to address their concerns.
Beyond internal unrest, exporters and civil society groups have repeatedly petitioned the Federal Government, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, the ICPC and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, alleging abuse of office, corruption and disregard for Public Service Rules.
Despite the volume of petitions, there has been no visible intervention from the Federal Government, fuelling further suspicion and agitation within the Council.
Attempts to reach NEPC spokesperson, Mr. Aliu Seidu Sadiq, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
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