Public spending records have revealed that the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, Lagos State, disbursed N339 million in one day, with multiple high-value payments to seven companies in eight separate payments. However, the payments weren’t for research.

FIJ found on Govspend, an accountability tool that mirrors data from the Open Treasury, that the research institute documented that it made these payments on September 17, 2025.

Two of the heaviest payments made by the institution were disbursed to one company, Anfield Engineering and Construction Limited. The company was paid N82.6 million and N68.3 million for the supply of empowerment materials in selected locations in Lagos.

The next in line, by the amount received, was Al Mumin Investment Limited. Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi, paid it N60.8 million for “the purchase of 25-seater bus for students in Alimosho Federal Constituency”.

Famab Technology Nigeria Limited, another company paid by the research institute, received N34.6 million for “the digitalisation/automation and internet of things”.

Jrb Solar Investment Limited, another company, got N21.5 million for “the enhancement of solar renewables for security lighting along selected rural roads in Nkanu East/West Federal Constituency, Enugu State”.

Although these payments look good on paper, considering that they were channelled for infrastructural development, they are against the mandate of the institute.

Created under the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, the institute conducts market-driven research and development for Nigeria’s industrialisation and socio-economic development.

It was created based on a 1953 World Bank mission recommendation to address the lack of coordinated, focused industrial research in Nigeria. (FIJ)