Isah, in documents and testimonies made available to SaharaReporters, also alleged deep-rooted political interference and corruption within NASENI under Halilu’s leadership.
A staff member of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), identified simply as Isah, has accused the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, of withholding his salary for seven months.
He also mentioned that the EVC denied him training allowances, and coerced him to sign an undertaking barring him from appearing on television to discuss national issues.
Isah, in documents and testimonies made available to SaharaReporters, also alleged deep-rooted political interference and corruption within NASENI under Halilu’s leadership.
According to him, a director in the department, Kabir Sani Omolori, claimed that the EVC was allegedly appointed solely to gather money for the relection bid of President Bola Tinubu.
He added that another official, Mrs. Patricia Nnaji, confirmed the claim and further alleged that Halilu lacked the required qualifications to lead the specialised engineering agency.
“She told me the immediate past EVC was not formally sacked or asked to resign before the new one took over. She also said the current one has no engineering qualification and even completed his first degree in two years,” Isah said.
“NASENI is a specialised institution meant to be headed by an engineer with at least a PhD.”
A warning memo dated October 14, 2025, signed by Deputy Director, Pension and Discipline, Kabir Sani-Omolori, and obtained by SaharaReporters, accused Isah of: engaging in political activities, making “malicious and derogatory remarks” about public officials on TV, and absenting himself from duty without authorisation.
The statement read, "I write to inform you of the approval of the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive regarding the recommendations of the disciplinary on the case of involvement in political activities.
"Continuous appearances on public media making malicious and derogatory remarks against Public Office Holders and absence from duty without leave levelled against you as foliows:The restoration of your salaries, effective from October 2025, and payment of arrears.
"The loss of pay/non-payment for the corresponding days you were not at your duty post/station without authorisation.
"iii That you should be issued a letter of strong warning. That you should provide a written undertaking never to repeat the above actions, and acknowledge that any future violations will lead to penalties for serious misconduct."
The memo further stated that although the disciplinary committee recommended a reduction in Isah’s rank, the EVC “reviewed and stepped down” that recommendation.
"The letter of undertaking must be addressed to the EVC before further action will be taken on the above in Para l: (i). Although disciplinary committee also recommended the reduction of your rank, which was subsequently reviewed, stepped down and approved by the EVC, management views your action as highly unbecoming of an officer of the Civil Service."
It warned that future violations could lead to suspension, termination, or dismissal.
"Accordingly, this letter serves as a formal letter of strong warning. You are hereby cautioned to desist from any further act of misconduct, as a repeat of such conduct will attract stiffer disciplinary measures, which may include suspension, termination of appointment or dismissal.
"You are expected to demonstrate renewed loyalty, discipline, and commitment to your duties, in line with the Public Service Rules and core values of the Agncy. Please be guided accordingly. Above is for your information and strict compliance."
Meanwhile, in a promotion letter signed by Mrs Yetunde E. Ajayi, Director of Administration and Human Resources, and also obtained by SaharaReporters, it announced Isah's elevation from Senior Programme Analyst (CONRAISS 9) to Principal Programme Analyst (CONASS SSS 02).
The promotion, effective January 1, 2025, cited his contributions over the past three years and his performance in the 2025 Senior Staff Review exercise.
The letter reads: "I am pleased to inform you that. after due consideration of your contributions over the past three years, and your performance at the 2025 Senior Staff Review exercise, your promotion from the rank of Senior Programme Analyst on CONRAISS9 to the position of Principal Programme Analyst on CONASS SSS 02 has been duly approved.
"This promotion takes effect from 1st January 2025 and shall be governed by the provisions of the Consolidated NASENI Salary Structure (CONASS) approved in Jarnuary 2025. ACcordingly, your annual remuneration and entitlements will be as prescribed under this structure. All other terms and conditions of your appointment remain unchanged.
"This promotion is an indication of management's confidence in your ability to continue to drive strategic initiatives in the Agency. We therefore look forward to seeing your remarkable contributions to the established goals of NASENI as you continue in your new role.
"Kindly report to your immediate supervisor for a formal briefing on your new responsibilities. Please accept my sincere congratulations!"
When SaharaReporters contacted the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, he said he was not aware of the matter and advised that SaharaReporters should consider writing to the Human Resources Department or the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), as those offices handle staff disciplinary issues.
"I'm not aware of this, you should consider writing to HR or SGF office as they handle staff disciplinary matters. My guess is If his salary is held out of thousands of people then he must have done something that led to that."