The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) has initiated a collaborative effort with the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) aimed at mitigating energy poverty in Nigeria through the adoption of renewable energy solutions. The partnership also seeks to expedite the nation’s industrial growth.
In a strategic meeting on Monday, October 11, 2023, held in Abuja, Mr. Adekunle Olusile, Deputy Head of UNIDO Nigeria Office, led a delegation to engage with NASENI’s management. Among the objectives outlined, the focus was on fostering partnerships between German companies, research institutions, and NASENI. This collaboration aims to curtail energy wastage while supporting the government’s agenda for enhanced food production.
Representing the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Mrs. Nonyem Onyechi, the Coordinating Director for Planning and Business Development, along with the Agency’s top management, warmly welcomed the UNIDO delegation. Expressing gratitude for UNIDO’s outreach, Mrs. Onyechi highlighted NASENI’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s industrial advancement, emphasizing its focus on technology transfer and domestication, particularly in the production of capital goods accessible to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs.
During a comprehensive presentation by Deputy Director, Engineering Infrastructure, Engr. Emmanuel Ajani, NASENI showcased its interventions, programs, and projects spanning renewable, agricultural, and industrial sectors. The presentation highlighted technological innovations, products, and machinery developed by NASENI, demonstrating its prowess in driving technological advancements across sectors.
Michael Schmidt, the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office (ITPO) Germany Team Lead, elucidated on UNIDO’s role in mobilizing investments and technologies for sustainable industrial development. Schmidt emphasized the organization’s support in facilitating technology transfer from Germany to developing nations. He underscored the visit to NASENI as exploratory, aimed at identifying areas of collaboration between German companies and the Agency to foster socio-economic growth.
Acknowledging NASENI’s presentation, the Deputy Head of UNIDO Nigeria Office noted Germany’s proficiency in the renewable energy sector and expressed interest in forging partnerships to bolster Nigeria’s solar PV usage by 2030.
To solidify the prospects discussed, NASENI and UNIDO established a working group to spearhead actionable initiatives and engage potential partners. The meeting, held at Belanova Apartment and Suites in Abuja, included representatives from notable German companies such as Bloomhill Agroservices, (B)energy, Wilo Pumps, GEA, EMPO-NI, and University Weihenstephan Triesdorf, signifying a collaborative commitment towards Nigeria’s socio-economic development.