Section 12: The structure of the Institute.

(1) The Institute shall have-
(a) its corporate headquarters in Abuja;
(b) a liaison office or directorate in Oshidi; and
(c) zonal office in each of the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria which include-
(i) North-West,
(ii) North-East,
(iii) North-Central,
(iv) South-East,
(v) South-West, and
(vi) South-South.
(2) The Institute shall operate a departmental structure with directorate or any other structure as may be considered necessary for the performance of its functions and delivery of its services under this Act.
(3) The head of research directorate shall be designated as head of department and headed by the Director-General and chief executive officer.
(4) The head of research department shall hold office for three years at the first instance and renewable for another three years and no more.
(5) Notwithstanding the provision of subsection (3), in the absence of a Director or head of research directorate, the most senior research officers may be appointed in acting capacity on the recommendation of the Director-General of the Institute to the Board.
(6)
A department shall have not more than five divisions, with each division headed by a deputy director and division may consists of sections, headed by chief research or scientific officer and section may also be composed of units for effectiveness.
(7) Zonal offices shall be headed by zonal coordinators.