FIRO sparks outrage after disbursing N339 million in single-day spending spree, not research
Public spending records have shown that the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIRO), Lagos, disbursed about N339 million in a single day, with payments made to seven companies across eight transactions—raising questions over spending priorities.
Data obtained from Govspend, an accountability platform drawing from the Open Treasury portal, indicates that the transactions were carried out on September 17, 2025.
Two of the largest payments went to Anfield Engineering and Construction Limited, which received N82.6 million and N68.3 million for the supply of “empowerment materials” in selected locations in Lagos State.
Another beneficiary, Al Mumin Investment Limited, got N60.8 million for the purchase of a 25-seater bus for students in Alimosho Federal Constituency.
Famab Technology Nigeria Limited received N34.6 million for what was described as “digitalisation, automation and internet of things,” while JRB Solar Investment Limited was paid N21.5 million for solar-powered security lighting projects along rural roads in Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency, Enugu State.
While the projects appear developmental in nature, concerns have been raised that many of the expenditures fall outside the core mandate of FIRO.
The institute, established under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, is tasked with conducting market-driven research and development to support Nigeria’s industrialisation and socio-economic growth.
It was founded following a 1953 World Bank recommendation aimed at strengthening coordinated industrial research in Nigeria.
The latest spending pattern is likely to intensify scrutiny over how research institutions manage public funds and whether allocations align with their statutory responsibilities.
