The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Nigeria’s premier intervention agency for fostering homegrown industrialization, is scaling new heights under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu. Appointed in September 2023, Halilu has reinvigorated the agency with a dynamic, result-oriented vision centered on the principles of Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization.
NASENI, established in 1992, has long served as a cornerstone for Nigeria’s technological development. However, the challenges of limited funding and capacity building have constrained its potential. Halilu’s administration has brought a transformative focus, leveraging strategic partnerships and market-driven approaches to position NASENI as a critical player in Nigeria’s technological revolution.
In just one year, Halilu has overseen the commercialization of 36 innovative products, including solar irrigation pumps, electric vehicles, Android smartphones, smart prepaid meters, solar home systems, and power storage solutions. These advancements reflect NASENI’s commitment to delivering practical, homegrown solutions that address Nigeria’s pressing needs while promoting local content.
During a recent media briefing in Abuja marking his one year in office, Halilu emphasized his ambition to make NASENI Nigeria’s premier technology transfer agency. “Our goal is to take NASENI products from the shelves to the market,” he stated, adding that plans are underway to establish a showroom where the public can purchase NASENI products directly.
Among the notable achievements of Halilu’s tenure is the establishment of a reverse engineering center for compressed natural gas (CNG) in Abuja. This facility is set to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on fossil fuels, aligning with global renewable energy goals. Additionally, NASENI has launched administrative reforms, including a rebranded vision, a new strategic framework for 2023-2027, and enhanced governance structures.
Halilu’s tenure has also seen a boost in staff welfare and the establishment of innovative hubs to support STEM education. The agency’s efforts have attracted investments totaling $3.25 billion, reinforcing its position as a key driver of Nigeria’s economic diversification and technological independence.
Looking ahead, NASENI plans to upscale the commercialization of its technologies through initiatives such as the NASENI Renewable Industrial Park, NASENI Technologies Limited, and future-focused projects like the NASENI Xceler8 program. These initiatives aim to foster job creation, promote wealth generation, and position NASENI as a global leader in technology transfer and manufacturing.
With its bold initiatives and unwavering focus on innovation, NASENI is set to remain a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic and technological progress, driving homegrown solutions and sustainable development for years to come.