By Ancilla Ilave
The National Research Institute (NRI) has reaffirmed its commitment to good governance, accountability, and transparency, despite being listed in the Chief Secretary’s recent advertisement as an institution that had not submitted its 2024 Annual Report.
The reaffirmation was made in a report presented during the 2026 PNGNRI Chairman’s Seminar held recently in Lae.
NRI Council Chairman Wilson Thompson said the Institute has prioritised transparency and accountability since 2020 by requiring management to present its annual work plan, budget, financial statements, and annual report at the beginning of each year.
“The National Research Institute was established for public purposes as per Section 36 of the National Research Institute Act and is subject to the Public Finances (Management) Act,” Thompson said.
He said the NRI was established to serve the public and remains committed to conducting research that supports evidence-based solutions to the country’s social, economic, political, and cultural challenges.
Thompson added that the Institute has consistently submitted its annual reports and financial statements to the relevant authorities, with the 2023 and 2024 reports currently undergoing audit.
“As required by legislation, Section 41 of NRI Act requires the Council as practicable after 31 March to furnish to the Minister, the NRI Council endorsed the previous years Financial Statements and Annual Report to the Minister for Higher Education, Research Science and Technology. A copy of the Annual Report that also reports on the Financial Statements has always been provided to the Chief Secretary and Secretary for Personnel Management,” said Thompson.
The NRI Council also commended the Government for approving its expanded organisational structure, increasing researcher positions from seven to 30, and for funding key public investment programmes to strengthen research capacity and infrastructure.
However, Thompson expressed concern that only 55 per cent of the Institute’s K22 million allocation for the 2025 financial year was released, saying adequate funding is needed to support critical research into elections, agriculture, employment, education, youth issues, energy security, and national security.
