The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is on a mission to establish Nigeria as Africa’s leading hub for technological innovation, driven by the powerful 3Cs principle: creation, collaboration, and commercialization.
In a captivating press briefing that celebrated the first anniversary of Khalil Halilu’s leadership as the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), NASENI unveiled a series of impressive milestones that set the stage for Nigeria’s industrial transformation. Halilu proudly announced that the agency now boasts over 35 market-ready products ready for commercialization, each designed to fuel economic growth, propel technological advancement, and create sustainable jobs, perfectly aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s eight-point agenda.
Innovations Paving the Way Forward
Among NASENI’s remarkable innovations are a diverse array of groundbreaking technologies: solar irrigation systems, electric vehicles, innovative hatch boxes, eco-friendly electric tricycles, solar street lamps, smartphones, laptops, energy-efficient stoves, solar pumps, smart meters, lithium batteries, solar panels, and advanced CCTV systems. These innovations not only promise to decrease Nigeria’s dependency on imported goods but also bolster local production capabilities.
Halilu emphasized the critical role of renewable energy in this technological renaissance, noting that these innovations align seamlessly with Nigeria’s vision to reduce fossil fuel reliance while promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth through cutting-edge energy solutions.
Building Bridges for Progress
NASENI is not just innovating in isolation. The agency has forged strong partnerships with both local and international organizations, laying the groundwork for a robust industrial revolution in Nigeria. With total investments valued at an impressive $3.25 billion, NASENI is collaborating with both private and public sectors to fast-track the production and commercialization of its technological breakthroughs.
Among its standout initiatives is the Hatchbox, designed to ignite interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among young innovators, nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers. Another game-changing product, solar irrigation technology, aims to maximize farming efficiency by harnessing solar energy to power water pumps, ensuring a sustainable livelihood for farmers.
Bridging Research and Industry
At the core of NASENI’s mission is a commitment to bridging the gap between research and industry. The agency is focused on transforming research outputs into commercially viable products and services. Recent reforms include launching a strategic plan for 2023-2027, restructuring its governance system, enhancing staff welfare, and increasing investment in training and skill development.
In its quest for industrialization, NASENI is also taking significant steps to establish a tractor assembly plant in Nigeria and develop off-grid solar lamp systems as part of the ambitious “Irrigate Nigeria” project.
With its unwavering commitment to innovation and collaboration, NASENI is not just shaping the future of Nigeria; it is setting the stage for a technological revolution across the entire African continent.
Khalil Halilu reaffirmed NASENI’s unwavering dedication to unlocking the value of Nigeria’s natural resources and urged Nigerians to support locally-made products. He emphasized that embracing homegrown solutions is essential for the country’s economic development and self-sufficiency. Additionally, Halilu highlighted NASENI’s collaborations with academic institutions, which are crucial for enhancing skills acquisition and nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Engr. Bernard Ozigi, Director of Technology Business Development at NASENI, shared exciting updates about the agency’s progress. He noted that NASENI currently has an impressive portfolio of over 200 products, with more than 52 now ready for market launch. Ozigi also pointed out the agency’s innovative government-to-government supply initiatives and its ongoing partnerships with private-sector manufacturers. These collaborations aim to scale production and expand the reach of NASENI’s products, making them accessible to a broader market.
Through these initiatives, NASENI is poised to play a pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s industrialization and fostering a thriving ecosystem of local innovation.
