The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has seen remarkable growth and progress under the leadership of Khalil Suleiman Halilu, who was appointed Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency on September 4, 2023. In just one year, Halilu has spearheaded transformative changes at NASENI, focusing on the commercialization of research and development (R&D) outputs, fostering collaboration with national and international partners, and driving innovation to boost Nigeria’s industrialization.
Established in 1992, NASENI’s mandate is to provide Nigeria with the necessary tools for industrial growth by designing, fabricating, and mass-producing primary and intermediate capital products. Over the years, the agency developed over 150 innovative products, yet struggled with weak links to local businesses and limited commercialization of its R&D efforts. Upon his appointment, Halilu addressed these challenges head-on, initiating a shift in focus towards making NASENI’s technological products widely available to businesses and end users.
Halilu’s leadership model, informed by his extensive private sector experience as a tech entrepreneur, emphasizes partnership with the private sector to accelerate the production and distribution of NASENI’s innovations. Within his first year, the agency unveiled several branded technological products developed in collaboration with partners, including solar irrigation systems, electric vehicles, smartphones, and solar-powered street lamps. These innovations are poised to reduce Nigeria’s import dependency and create jobs.
To further consolidate NASENI’s role as a key player in Nigeria’s industrial transformation, Halilu launched the NASENI Strategic Launchpad, which outlines the agency’s short, medium, and long-term goals. His vision, built on the principles of Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization, has led to key partnerships, such as a $150 million agreement with China’s Schenzen LEMI Technology Development Company for a lithium battery manufacturing plant and other multi-billion-dollar projects with Chinese firms to establish facilities for electric vehicle production and UAV assembly.
The agency’s collaborations also extend to local institutions, including agreements with the Ministry of Defence and Rural Electrification Agency to support renewable energy and agricultural mechanization. These partnerships aim to generate jobs, enhance food security, and drive economic growth.
Halilu’s leadership has also prioritized staff welfare and capacity building, ensuring that all NASENI employees, from junior to senior levels, receive training to improve performance. This commitment to human capital development has inspired a new culture of innovation and optimism within the agency.
Under Halilu’s transformative leadership, NASENI is well-positioned to significantly impact Nigeria’s economic landscape by advancing technology, fostering industrial growth, and promoting indigenous innovation. As the agency continues on its forward-looking path, the next phase promises even greater strides in technological development and economic prosperity for Nigeria.