In a move to fast-track Nigeria’s industrialization, the National Economic Council (NEC), has urged state governments to patronize technological innovations developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
By Emma Ogbuehi
In a move to fast-track Nigeria’s industrialization, the National Economic Council (NEC), has urged state governments to patronize technological innovations developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this during the 146th NEC meeting which he chaired at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The suggestion by the Vice President followed a presentation by the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, in which detailed a strategic roadmap by the Agency for Nigeria’s industrialization.
According to a release by the NASENI Director of Information Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, the Agency’s CEO in his presentation titled “NASENI economic transformation through advancement in technology transfer and adaptation”, detailed the Agency’s focus in critical sectors such as Renewable energy & sustainability, health & biotechnology, agriculture & food manufacturing, sustainable transportation & mobility, digital technology, construction & smart city, defense & aerospace.
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The Agency sought NEC support to establish manufacturing industries in states, access local natural raw materials, streamline processes related to land and seaport facilitation, sought guidance or partnerships to tap into public sector market, assistance to set up showrooms for NASENI products and favourable policies to promote NASENI activities.
The EVC/CEO of NASENI highlighted the agency’s innovations in energy security, including electric vehicles, NASENI Solar Home Systems for enhanced rural electrification; Smart devices including laptops and tablets tailored for Nigeria’s market; and Solar irrigation pumps and coal-based fertilizers to improve agricultural productivity.
Halilu reiterated the Agency’s commitment to transforming Nigeria into a global innovation powerhouse through technology transfer, product commercialization, adding that the Agency is working with key partners on NASENI Troment (Vaccine factory), NASENI Portland (CNG Centre), NASENI Devfrontier (Solar light & battery), NASENI Renewable Park and NASENI Family Homes (Sustainable homes).
“Our mission is clear: to make NASENI the ‘go-to’ institution for technology transfer in Nigeria,” he stated, adding that the Agency has attracted $3.23 billion in investments, launched the DELT-Her initiative for female engineers, and how the Agency is championing renewable energy projects.
The Council lauded NASENI’s efforts in driving local manufacturing and industrial development and therefore directed the Agency to scale up the establishment of lithium battery factories in resource-rich regions and repair tractors nationwide under the National Asset Restoration Programme.
The NEC meeting further resolved to harness NASENI’s tailored support for manufacturing and public sector partnerships, ensuring Nigeria benefits from infrastructure, policy frameworks, and market access critical for economic diversification.
Ayeoyenikan added that NASENI remains committed to working with states and the private sector to unlock Nigeria’s potential for industrial innovation and sustainable development.