THE National Research Institute (NRI) has presented its 2025 Annual Report and Financial Statements to the Government, while raising concerns over delayed and reduced funding affecting its operations.
NRI Council Chairman Wilson Thompson said the institute, established under Section 36 of the National Research Institute Act, continues to play a key role in researching social, cultural, economic and political issues to support policy development and good governance.
He said the Council had approved the submission of the 2025 reports to the Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology in line with Section 41 of the Act, which requires the reports to be presented to Parliament.
Mr Thompson and NRI Director Dr Osborne Sanida presented the reports yesterday to the Minister and departmental secretary.
They acknowledged government support, particularly through the Department of Personnel Management, which approved a new organizational structure increasing the number of researchers from seven to 30.
They also highlighted funding support for three Public Investment Program (PIP) projects focused on institutional capacity, infrastructure, and research into youth bulge and employment issues.
Mr Thompson said the Council had adopted a policy to ensure all annual reports and financial statements are finalized before January 21 each year and made accessible to stakeholders.
“We want to ensure transparency and accountability in all our programs and activities, including the engagement of our researchers in government committees, boards and public consultations,” he said.
He added that, in compliance with Section 62 of the Public Finance (Management) Act, the institute had also submitted its annual report and unaudited financial statements to the Minister for Finance and the Auditor-General for review.
The Council confirmed that NRI’s 2023 and 2024 reports are currently under audit.
Despite progress, Mr Thompson said funding delays continue to hinder the institute’s ability to deliver on its mandate.
“Our biggest challenge is getting the work done. We may have 30 researchers and support staff on payroll, but when funds for research and operations are delayed, we are paying salaries without fully delivering our mandate,” he said.
He revealed that although K22 million was appropriated to NRI in the 2025 National Budget, only about 55 per cent, or close to K12 million, was released.
Mr Thompson expressed hope that funding would improve in 2026 to enable the institute to undertake critical research and provide policy advice in key areas including elections, agriculture, employment, education, youth population growth, the impact of mobile phones on children’s learning, energy security, geopolitics and national security.
The NRI Council reiterated its commitment to strengthening research and contributing to evidence-based policy-making.