National Research Institute for Chemical Technology Faces Government Query For Wasting N617 Million of Public Funds

Secrets Reporters

Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s drive to strengthen indigenous scientific and technological capacity, the National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, NARICT, Zaria, recorded contract irregularities amounting to ₦617,964,243.24 during its 2023 financial year, according to a review of the institute’s financial records.

NARICT, which is responsible for research and development in chemical and petrochemical technologies, recorded ₦213,350,410.00 in contracts awarded without evidence of the required Tender’s Board approval. The contracts contravened the Public Procurement Act 2007, which requires the requisite Tender’s Board approval before contracts can proceed.

Similarly, ₦137,356,348.40 was awarded to a contractor who was found ineligible for the contract. The award contravened the Public Procurement Act 2007, which requires verification of the eligibility of contractors before the award of public contracts.

Moreso, ₦102,737,984.84 was paid for constituency and zonal intervention projects executed without approval from the relevant authorities. The payments were made without the required authorisation for the projects.

Additionally, ₦99,259,750.00 was paid to consultants without evidence that they fulfilled their contractual obligations. The payments contravened the Financial Regulations 2009, which prohibit payment for services that have not been rendered.

Furthermore, ₦65,259,750.00 was paid for contracts that records show were never executed. The payments similarly contravened the Financial Regulations 2009, which prohibit payment for services or works not rendered or executed.