FIIRO showcases technology, produces industrial enzymes

The Federal Institute for Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) has unveiled an array of industrial enzymes.

The products, which were showcased as part of its research outcomes, have been prepared for patenting.

FIIRO Director General, Prof. Gloria Elemo, disclosed that these arrays of locally produced enzymes are now locally available on the institute’s shelves.

The innovation was a demonstration of its local content policy to drive the country’s industrialisation as an entrepreneurial economy.

Enzymes are known to be expensive raw materials for processing many industrial raw materials into final products, and are also useful for their catalytic roles.

Most enzymes in use in Nigeria are imported, which take a significant toll on the country’s foreign exchange.

Also, hitches in the importation of such enzymes sometimes create production downtime, and cost the affected companies a fortune in unmet market needs.

Specifically, the enzymes on display last week were protease, amylase, pectinase, cellulase, xylanase, glucoamylase and phytase, with functions cutting across the food and feed industry, with significance in nutrition and health.

Elemo, in her presentation, said the institute’s overarching mandate is to identify and develop appropriate technologies.

The mandate includes upgrading indigenous technologies in the area of food and agro-allied processing and in various non-food uses.

She further disclosed: “FIIRO will focus on commercialisation of its market-ready products, processes and equipment design plus pipeline innovations.”

The DG described FIIRO as a strong platform for MSME development through technology.

According to her: “FIIRO is a technology provider to the micro, small, medium and large scale industries in Nigeria.”

On the institute’s major achievements, Elemo pointed out that the institute has “developed over 250 R&D technologies and has completely packaged 100 of them ready for immediate commercialisation.”