The Senate Committee on National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has lauded the Agency for its exceptional efforts in advancing local content development, specifically in Solar-Powered smart irrigation, tricycles, electric motorbikes, and other areas with accelerated technology transfer.
Led by Chairman Senator Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi, the Senate Committee visited NASENI Headquarters in Abuja on Monday, February 26, 2024. During the oversight function, members expressed satisfaction while being guided by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, who showcased various NASENI products and facilities.
Inspected products included animal feed processing machines, NASENI transformers, electric motorcycles and tricycles, as well as NASENI home and irrigation solar systems.
Senator Onyewuchi stated, “The committee is quite pleased with the level of progress, and we want to assure NASENI of the support of the National Assembly to make sure that the agency drives effectively the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in this area.”
He also commended NASENI for contributing to environmental sustainability by transitioning from fossil fuel to non-fossil products.
According to committee members, the NASENI home solar and electric bikes will enhance local businesses, improve the country’s economy, and address power challenges in both urban and rural areas if mass-produced.
Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, EVC/CEO of NASENI, announced that some NASENI products would be ready in the second quarter of this year. He emphasized the Agency’s commitment to establishing a Technology Transfer Hub within its headquarters to bring eco-friendly technologies closer to people, ensuring affordability on both short and long-term bases.
“We promised Nigerians that by the first quarter of this year, they are going to be seeing NASENI products, and today, you have witnessed three products – the solar irrigation system, the electronic motorcycle and tricycle (Keke), and the solar home system,” said Halilu.
He added, “You will soon start seeing NASENI branded products in our efforts to build a national brand for the country, and of course, if you are doing commercially viable products, they have to be affordable to the common man, and very soon, you will start seeing them in the market.”
Other lawmakers present on the visit included Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, Senator Aminu Iya Abbas; Deputy Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Mohammed Ogoshi Onawo; Member, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. David Jimkura; Chairman, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Ezenwa Francis Onyewuchi; Member, Senate Committee on NASENI, Sen. Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli; and Sen. Abdullaziz Musa Yar’Adua.