Speaking at the 2025 World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS) conference in Wenzhou city, Zhejiang Province, China, on 26th October, 2025, where he delivered a keynote address titled ‘Nigeria at the Heart of Global Sustainability’, he said, “The bridge between government and private sector is becoming stronger, turning policy into practical outcomes.

“This is what progress looks like: policy meets innovation, innovation meets people, and people meet opportunity,” Halilu said at the event highlighted Nigeria’s growing leadership in clean technology, renewable energy, and green manufacturing, powered by the creativity and energy of its youths.

“Young Nigerians, your ideas, your energy, and your innovation have a place at the global table. The world is watching what we build next. Let us move together,” he added.

He also shared NASENI’s commitment to domestication-adapting global technology to local realities and needs. “It is not enough to import technology. We must adapt it. Domestication is how we make global innovation work for us in Nigeria.”

Halilu announced ZeCo by NASENI, an initiative to be launched in 2026 focusing on clean mobility, renewable energy systems, and sustainable manufacturing. The program reinforces NASENI’s goal of making Nigeria a hub for green innovation and circular economy solutions.

“Nigeria’s journey to Net Zero is not just a national agenda. It is a global invitation to collaborate, to co-create, and to build a future that works for everyone.” As the first African on the WAYS board, Halilu represents the new generation of Nigerians driving African innovation onto the global stage.

*The World Association of Young Scientists (WAYS) unites young researchers and institutions worldwide to promote collaboration, innovation, and sustainable progress through science and technology.

*The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) drives Nigeria’s technological advancement and industrial innovation through homegrown, globally competitive solutions.

This move, the Council noted, is essential for accelerating Nigeria’s industrial development and economic diversification.

The resolution was made during the 146th NEC meeting, chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. 

At the meeting, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, presented a roadmap outlining the agency’s initiatives aimed at changing the nation’s industrial sector through technology-driven solutions.

Halilu’s presentation revealed NASENI’s focus on sectors, including renewable energy, health biotechnology, agriculture, transportation, and digital technology. 

The agency disclosed key innovations such as electric vehicles designed for sustainable mobility, solar-powered home systems for rural electrification, and smart devices built for Nigeria’s unique market needs. 

NASENI and Imose Unwrap Made-in Nigeria Laptops, Tablets

Other projects included solar irrigation pumps and coal-based fertilisers aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity.

The Council commended NASENI’sNASENI’s works and its ongoing projects, such as the development of vaccine production facilities, renewable energy parks, and compressed natural gas (CNG) centres. 

Halilu also revealed that NASENI has attracted $3.23 billion in investments and launched the DELT-Her programme to empower female engineers, further solidifying the agency’s role in driving technological advancements.

To support NASENI’s initiatives, NEC directed the agency to scale up lithium battery manufacturing in regions with abundant natural resources and intensify efforts under the National Asset Restoration Programme to repair tractors across the country. 

Added to these, the Council called for strengthened collaboration between NASENI, state governments, and the private sector to establish manufacturing industries that leverage local raw materials and create job opportunities.

NEC also stressed the need for favourable policies, improved infrastructure, and simplified processes to ensure the seamless implementation of NASENI’s initiatives. 

This includes assistance in land and seaport access as well as the creation of showrooms to promote locally made products.

NASENI’s mandate to promote Nigeria’s industrial self-reliance remains a cornerstone of the federal government’s strategy for sustainable economic growth. The company aims to make Nigeria a global hub for innovation and industrial excellence.

The Chief Staff stated this during a familiarisation visit to the Agency on Thursday August 22, 2024 alongside Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, the deputy chief of staff; and Engineer Olufunso Adebiyi, the permanent secretary, State House.

Gbajabiamila took time to test drive NASENI’s electric vehicle pick-up van and visited NASENI Hatch Box, Innovation Hub, Solar Irrigation Pump, and was shown new products such as Home Solar, Prepaid Meter, Laptop, Smartphone, Battery among others.

The visit was part of the engagements with agencies of government under the supervision of the Presidency to understand their mandates, activities and challenges and how they are aligning with the present administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking after an inspection tour of NASENI Complex in Idu Industrial Area, and also witnessing first-hand the new projects and products embarked on by Mr Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the executive vice chairman/CEO of NASENI, since assuming office in September 2023,  Gbajabiamila thanked the EVC and Management for their warm reception.

He said,

“I am glad I embarked on this trip. I am glad we are all here to see for ourselves where NASENI is and what it is doing. The whole idea behind this trip was actually to come and hear first-hand, and to see onsite what you are doing, how you are doing it, what the challenges are and so on and so forth.

“That way we could get a grip of what needs to be done, whether there are lacunas here and there. I am glad you have demonstrated what you are doing and how you are doing it. I am even happier that there are no challenges from what you said.  Quite honestly I am very impressed with what we have seen and heard,” he said.

The Chief of Staff to the President stated that, that the impacts of Mr. Halilu have translated into lots of products in a matter of 11 months speak lots of volumes about his commitments, dedication and passion for what he is doing. “So, I commend you and the rest of the team,” he added.

Furthermore, he noted that we are in a technology-driven age and  NASENI is one of the agencies of government that are key to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to put Nigeria among the comity of nations in terms of advancements in science and technology.

“I believe we have what it takes as a country, not just material resources but more importantly human resources”, adding that  “people who are sharp, smart, young men and women in this country exist who can deliver in terms of advancement of our technology. I thank you very much for what you are doing”

Earlier, the EVC of NASENI took time to explain to the Chief of Staff the various innovations, interventions and partnerships which the Agency has embarked on in the last few months to advance technology transfer and align the NASENI’s mandate with President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Your Excellency, under your guidance and the leadership of His Excellency, President Tinubu, we have embarked on a transformative journey. This journey is characterized by an accelerated push towards technological independence and industrial growth. It is through your endless support and that of your team that we have been able to make significant strides in achieving these goals, Halilu added.

The award was presented at the 4th edition of the Royal African Young Leadership Forum held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

The event organized by the palace of the progenitor of the Yoruba race, celebrates the achievements of outstanding young African leaders contributions to their communities and industries.

During the presentation, His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, commended Khalil Halilu’s exemplary leadership at NASENI, emphasizing how his visionary leadership and innovative approaches are propelling Nigeria towards a technologically and industrially advanced nation.

The Ooni noted that Halilu’s outstanding performance is a source of immense pride for the youth of Nigeria and is crucial for the country’s economic prosperity. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recognizing illustrious young Nigerians, mentioning other notable appointees such as the Director-General of SMEDAN, Mr. Charles Odii, the Minister of Youth, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, and the Minister of Youth (State), Ayodele Olawande Wisdom.

“These young men are part of the government of our dear country. I want to use this opportunity to celebrate you and appreciate the President for putting you into government, thereby making your individual contributions to the development of Nigeria,” Ooni said.

Reacting to the award shortly after the presentation, the EVC/CEO of NASENI expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating,

“I am honoured to receive this award from His Majesty, the Ooni of Ife. Previously, I admired the Royal African Young Leadership Forum Award on social media. Being acknowledged in this way underscores His Majesty’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating the positive impact individuals make in their respective endeavours.”

Halilu further emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in driving technological innovation and industrial growth in Nigeria.

He reiterated his commitment to continuing the work that NASENI is doing to advance the country’s technological infrastructure and enhance its global competitiveness.

The Royal African Young Leadership Forum is an annual event that brings together dynamic young leaders from various sectors to discuss and promote sustainable development in Africa. This year’s theme, “Africa of the Future: Better Together,” reflects the forum’s focus on unity and collective progress.

As Halilu continues to make impact in NASENI, his recognition at the Royal African Young Leadership Forum underscores his commitment to Nigeria’s technological and industrial growth.

His work greatly inspires the youth of Nigeria and contributes to the nation’s economic development.

Alongside Halilu, other notable Africans, honoured include Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim,  Ayodele Olawande Wisdom, and Charles O. Odii, among several young entrepreneurs selected from diverse background for their significant contributions to their fields.

The three-day intensive training which began Monday, July 8, 2024 and would end on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, is taking place at the NASENI Skill Acquisition Centre located in Ife Federal Constituency, Osun State. 

Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the executive vice chairman/CEO of NASENI, ably represented by Engr. Olayode Adesola Olasupo, director of manufacturing services, Engineering Infrastructure Directorate, while declaring the programme open, said it would equip participants with hands-on experience in modern tailoring and shoe making techniques.

The EVC stated that NASENI as an Agency of the Federal Government under the Presidency, has the mandate to nurture an appropriate and dynamic Science and Engineering infrastructure base for achieving home-initiated and home-sustained industrialisation for Nigeria. 

“To achieve this mandate, critical skill development of personnel is required. It is in this direction that we embarked on development of NASENI Skill Acquisition Centres across Nigeria. I am delighted to inform you that this NASENI Skill Acquisition Centre, Ife Federal Constituency where we are today, is the first of its kind in Osun State,” he stated. 

Halilu added that the training being organized at the Centre is a testament of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria which includes ending poverty, economic growth and job creation.

The visit was to underscore NASENI’s commitment to advancing technological infrastructure and fostering innovation in Nigeria and to engage in interactions with the management team of the Institute, including identifying their operational challenges, potential areas for enhancement, and strategies to align their goals with NASENI’s mission of driving scientific and engineering infrastructures for the country.

AMTDI as an institute under NASENI is dedicated to the advancement of manufacturing technologies, including focus on research, development and dissemination of innovative solutions to drive industrial growth and development of Nigeria.

Halilu evaluated the equipment and also staff working conditions at AMTDI, emphasizing the importance of a well-equipped and conducive working environment for research and development. His assessment also targeted identification of critical needs and opportunities for upgrading the institute’s facilities to ensure they meet global standards.

Speaking after the inspection, Halilu expressed his satisfaction with the commitment of AMTDI’s staff and their contributions to Nigeria’s technological advancements. He reiterated NASENI Management continued support in providing the necessary resources to enhance all institutes’ capabilities.

“The role of AMTDI in the technological landscape of Nigeria is pivotal,” said Halilu. “Our visit today reaffirms my commitment to supporting our development institutes that are at the forefront of driving innovation and development in advanced manufacturing technologies. We are committed to addressing the challenges identified and providing the support needed to elevate AMTDI and others to new heights.”

The visit concluded with a tour of the institute’s facilities, where Halilu witnessed firsthand the ongoing projects and initiatives spearheaded by AMTDI.

He commended the institute’s efforts in fostering a culture of innovation and also  assured of his continued support to achieve shared goals.

Speaking earlier while receiving the EVC at the institute, Engr. John Christopher Tanko, the acting managing director of AMTDI, expressed his gratitude for the visit and highlighted the significance of the management’s support in achieving their mandate.

“We are honoured by the EVC/CEO’s visit and his keen interest in our work,” said Tanko adding that “this inspection tour reinforces our confidence in your transformational leadership and commitment to our growth and development. We are dedicated to leveraging the support provided to enhance our research, improve our facilities, and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s industrial advancement.”

No doubt having an industrial goods production base and or a competitive industrial economy is the only remedy to Nigeria’s dependence on importation of goods, technologies and services from other nations.

What is an industrial economy? Simply put, it is the prevalent use of machines, equipment or technologies in industry and all business concerns which combine other factors of innovation, production, facilities, supplies, work and knowledge to produce material goods or services intended for the market.

The complex and functional nature of infrastructures and investments in science, technology and innovation system put in place by a nation to drive own’s industrial production and manufacturing techniques determine the relative presence or lack of apparent competitiveness in the production of processed and manufactured goods that are being connected between industrial activity and the activity in the primary sector, local or international trade and service activity.

When a nation significantly lacks the above-mentioned factors for economic efficiency, it faces industrial underdevelopment with all the associated deplorable social and economic conditions.

Countries like Japan and China who initially were not among European nations which experienced the first and second industrial revolutions in the 17th, 18th to 19th centuries respectively had rapidly advanced to join the league of industrialized nations of the West because those nations overtime deliberately invested in research and development (R&D), innovation, science and technology.

“Similarly, the newcomers to the global industrial arena, known as the Asian Tigers—Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and others—discovered the secret of substantial investments in science and innovation much earlier than many African nations, including Nigeria”

Science and technology, engineering research and innovation are the essential bedrocks for any meaningful industrialization endeavour to take place.

The implication for Nigeria is that if engineering, science, technology and Innovation are not given due priority in our nation’s economic recovery and growth plans, any success expected to be achieved will soon be short-lived or unsustainable.

• Countries like Japan, U.S.A, China, Germany, Indonesia others had overtime gained their reputation as “Economic Giants” due to the priority which the leaders gave previously to R&D investments, earmarking 5-6 per cent of their gross domestic products (GDP) for the development of science, technology and innovation (STI).
• Investment in STI is a core factor of development and therein lies the secret of advanced nations’ leadership, pursuit and commitment.

The founding fathers of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure(Presidency) in 1992 established the agency with the aim of establishing and nurturing an appropriate and dynamic Science and Engineering Infrastructure base for achieving home-initiated and home-sustained industrialization process through the development of relevant processes, appropriate local machine design and machine building capabilities for capital goods and equipment manufacture to guarantee job creation, national economic well-being and progress.

Previous R&D efforts and other activities within NASENI’s mandate areas had translated into various technology interventions leading to attainment of capacities and capabilities in local mass production of capital goods, tools and equipment in critical sectors of the economy like agriculture, power, water resources, automotive industry, ICT, health, aviation, education, transportation, scientific equipment and manufacturing, chemical and other engineering materials. The list is boundless.

NASENI was strategically established to produce relevant technologies, set up industrial plants and stimulate knowledge-based entrepreneurship for the socio-economic advancement of the country.

Its major challenge in the past were lack of patronage of its products and technologies by local entrepreneurs or businesses, exacerbated by low commercialization attempts of its R&D results, leaving most of them wasting away on the shelves.

However, with the coming on board of a new chief executive, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, a techpreneur and businessman, there has been a dramatic change of focus toward full commercialization of NASENI’s resources, making them available in the market to end users of its R&D products, machines and other equipment to boost the economy.

• NASENI today stands as a beacon of indigenous technological advancement, aligning with its core mission of fostering dynamic Science and Engineering Infrastructure for national progress.

The agency under the leadership of Halilu has articulated a bold vision to fuel Nigeria’s innovation for a sustainable future through the 3Cs principle of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization which have indeed opened more doors to result-based partnerships with national and international communities.

According to Halilu,

“our new model at NASENI is to do everything to conserve resources, avoid duplication of efforts, and shorten go-to-market time. What this means is that wherever we find serious partners who are already operating in our areas of interest, we will work with them to improve our products and take these products to the market. As a government agency, we are not out to compete with the private sector. Instead, we are here as partners and enablers, helping with everything from design to testing, or helping companies in scaling-up production capacity and to seek out new markets.”

The agency recently unveiled to the general public some branded technological products manufactured in collaboration with its partners.

They included solar irrigation systems, electric vehicles (ranging from tricycles to motorcycles), NASENI home solar system, animal feed milling machines, laptop, smartphone, solar streetlamp and lithium battery. All these efforts were geared towards creating jobs and to reduce import bills.

NASENI is not only promoting the development of digital technologies such as mobile financial transaction platforms to bring more people into the formal economy, the agency is also carrying out additive manufacturing, using 3D printing and other advanced manufacturing technologies to produce goods locally.

NASENI has developed an electronic voting solution to help reduce electoral malpractices during elections.

The organization is also working on other projects such as smart prepaid meter and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to promote economic development in Nigeria.

Over time, NASENI envisions that its domestic products and manufacturing initiatives will transition from “Semi-Knocked Down” (SKD) to “Completely Knocked Down” (CKD) assembly”.

In addition, there will be concerted efforts to increase the inputs of locally-sourced materials in all product components. NASENI will also work to ensure full transfers of all required Intellectual Property (IP) and technology elements including licensing for domestication and adaptations.

Halilu has pledged to keep the public updated about the progress in the industrial transformational journey of Nigeria, which is a direct manifestation of the Agency’s triple principle of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization.

“As the only purpose-built agency of the Federal Government in Nigeria with a technology transfer mandate, NASENI will always focus on progressively scaling-up local-content sourcing, and strengthening domestic technical and production capacities,” says Halilu.

Going forward, the agency will continue to play crucial roles in Nigeria’s economic transformation not only now, but also serve as leader in the promotion of science and technology, developing indigenous solutions to foster economic growth, provide capital goods and services based on sound engineering practices, support infrastructure development that are essential for manufacturing and economic growth, including driving technological advancement through R&D amongst other initiatives.

Let all hands be on deck at this critical time in the life of our nation as the agency and its team of stakeholders, partners and collaborators continue to assist in pulling Nigeria out of her socio-economic difficulties through STI.

According to recent statistics by National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s investment in science and technology has led to significant growth in sectors like telecommunications, IT, and e-commerce, contributing around 10-15 per cent to gross domestic product (GDP).

However, compared to other developed nations whose economic growth is dependent on STI, Nigeria is still lagging behind.

China’s investment in STI contributes around 30-40% to its GDP; UK’s investment contributes around 20-25%; USA’s investment contributes 30-40% to its GDP while Indonesia’s STI contributes around 10-15 percent.

The lasting solution to our country’s economic dilemma now is for us to turn determinedly toward a continuous investment in science, technology and innovations as we journey toward industrialization, and regarding this particular endeavour for Nigeria, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is on the driver’s seat.

Mr. Olusegun S. Ayeoyenikan is the director of Information, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) Headquarters, Abuja.

The landmark event which will take place on Friday, May 31, 2024, marks another NASENI milestone in its commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly on sustainable energy alternatives and a clean energy ecosystem.

The NASENI-Portland CNG Conversion and Training Centre, a partnership between NASENI and Portland Gas Limited, is a state-of-the-art facility for the conversion of fossil fuel vehicles to CNG, a cleaner and more cost-effective alternative.

The centre equipped with the latest technology and staffed by highly trained professionals to ensure efficient and safe conversions, is aimed at building local capacity in CNG technology.

It will offer comprehensive training programmes for technicians, engineers, and other stakeholders, fostering domestication of expertise in CNG systems and promoting the adoption of green energy solutions across the nation.

Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the executive vice chairman/CEO of NASENI, as part of pre-launch activities, said the establishment of the NASENI-Portland Gas Reverse Engineering Centre marks a transformative moment for Nigeria’s energy sector.

He explained that the CNG Centre underscores NASENI’s unwavering commitment to sustainable innovation and the development of home-grown technological and manufacturing capabilities. “At NASENI, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint and providing affordable, eco-friendly fuel alternatives to Nigerians”

“The initiative is expected to significantly reduce vehicular emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier environment. Additionally, the adoption of CNG will offer economic benefits by reducing fuel costs for consumers and creating new job opportunities in the Nigeria’s green energy sector,” he said.

“NASENI invites all stakeholders, from vehicle owners to industry professionals, to take advantage of the services and training opportunities available at the new centres. Together, we can drive forward a greener, more sustainable future for Nigeria,” Halilu further said.

Aligned with the Presidential directive on CNG (PCNGi), NASENI has a notable proficiency in automotive reverse engineering, exemplified by the successful local assembly of CNG kits.

NASENI’s team of engineers and technicians have skilfully assembled a comprehensive CNG sequential kit, comprising essential components such as Pressure Regulator, Petrol Solenoid Valve with manual override switch, On-Off valve and refuelling connector.

Others include Control Module/Change-over Switch, CNG level Indicator (LED Indicator), Gas Air Mixer, CNG cylinder with valve, vapour bag & bracket, Petrol hose, low-pressure gas hose, ignition advance processor, wire harness, and NRV in petrol return line.

In his keynote address, at the opening ceremony of a 5-Day training for Information, New Media and Protocol staff of the Agency, drawn from the Headquarters and Institutes, on New Media and Protocol Strategies for a Modern Government Agency in the 21st century, held on Monday at the Exclusive Serene Hotel, Wuye, Abuja, Mr. Halilu said that investing in staff training and development was vital for the success of any organization.

According to him, “We are building a new NASENI where one of the overarching goals is to have well trained employees with knowledge and requisite technical, vocational and management skills required for the Agency’s growth and technology advancement.

“He said this reorientation would equip us to bring to fruition the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration and also the Eight Priority Areas of the administration.”

Buttressing the mandate of the Agency, the NASENI boss noted that the Agency’s mission is to drive Nigeria’s rapid industrialization through the new three Cs of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization.

He added that in the past four months since he took over the leadership of NASENI, the Agency has embarked on new partnerships and collaborations aimed at turning NASENI’s over 150 scientific and technological prototypes, products and intellectual properties rights (IPR) into finished products.

“We have signed multibillion dollars new Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) and revived old ones with international technical partners to establish coal-based fertilizer plant, Lithium processing and Electric Vehicle (EV) manufacturing plant,  Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) for Agric afforestation, smart solar irrigation, tractor repairs and crop traceability for food security,” he further explained.

He said that the 5-Day intensive training programme will enable information and Protocol staff of the Agency to catch-up with the current trends and international standards required for Mastering the Intricacies of New Media and Protocol Strategies that would take the Agency to greater heights.

“We have assembled about forty-one (41) staff responsible for information and protocol activities from our Headquarters and Institutes to benefit from this training. This training will upskill the crop of staff to communicate our new strategy and partnerships to different publics”, he stated.

He said that he was confident that by the end of the training, the staff of Information, Protocol and New Media Unit would be equipped with requisite skills to be at par with contemporaries in the public and private sectors as well as those in international sphere.

The Coordinating Director, Engineering Infrastructure, Prof. Bagudu Dansheu Gwadangaji who was ably represented by Engr. Dr. Olayode Olasupo urged the Information Staff to adapt to new media and protocol strategies to ensure the continued success and relevance of NASENI.

Encouraging the participants, he said, “Your presence at this training signifies not only personal and professional growth but also a collective effort to enhance our capabilities as a forward-thinking government agency.”

“I encourage you to actively engage in the sessions, collaborate with your peers, and absorb the wealth of knowledge that this training has to offer. The insights gained here will understandably contribute to your skills, allowing you to make valuable contributions to our ICT initiatives, he said.

Also, the Coordinating Director, Science Infrastructure, Prof Umar Ibrahim Gaya stated that the theme of the training was timely as it will equip participants with necessary skills and tools to combat fake news which can affect organizations negatively.

“When you talk about NASENI, so many things come to mind. As an Agency with first line charge from the Federation Account, there is likely to be fake news out there about us. Therefore, this training will help equip the participants to separate information from misinformation and misrepresentation. We hope your deliberations will help the EVC/CEO and Management to achieve the Agency’s mandate. Prof. Gaya added.

In his welcome address, the Director of Information, Protocol and New Media Unit, Mr. Segun Ayeoyenikan commended the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Halilu for making staff motivation, development and productivity top priorities in his agenda since he assumed the position as EVC/CEO barely four Months ago.

He said in an era defined by rapid advancement, the training was a crucial step towards navigating the complexities of digital age, adding that the new slogan in the media profession and business world is “You either communicate or you are easily forgotten, because of the complexities or sophistication of the society wherein we live today”

Throwing more light on the training, he said the training for the Communication and Media arm of the Agency, the first of its kind in 33 years, was indeed timely with the wave of reforms currently sweeping across the Agency with the coming on board of a Technopreneur, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu.

“The Information, New Media and Protocol Department play a critical role of projecting the image, products, mission and vision of the Agency amongst its technology end-users and critical stakeholders”, he said.

“The EVC/CEO has committed to building a 21st century institution built on the 3 core principles of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization guided by a strategic corporate plan which ensures that NASENI’s human and material resources are optimally harnessed with a view to achieving the Federal Government’s Industrialization drive.

While welcoming the participants to the training, he pointed out that the training marked the beginning of a journey towards an enhanced popularization of digital skills communication and knowledge sharing within the NASENI Headquarters and Institutes’ Information and Protocol, more effectively.

Pointing out that the knowledge acquired from this training promised to reposition NASENI into one of the foremost agencies of the Federal Government, he called on all the participants to see the training as a call to duty and to ensure use of the opportunity and strive for excellence.

Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), has said his vision or direction for the Agency’s products and technologies is to make them available in every household in Nigeria in the next few years.

Nonetheless, Halilu disclosed in Abuja today that some tangible products emanating from NASENI’s prototypes will be in the market through technology transfer arrangements, specifically, by 1st quarter of year 2024.

“Expect some products from NASENI’s R&D efforts in Nigeria market during the first quarter of 2024”.

The EVC/CEO disclosed this on Thursday November 2, 2023, during his maiden television media interaction held at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Halilu said expectations from stakeholders of NASENI are very high as its activities must ensure transparency and focus to assist the Agency deliver on its mandate.

NASENI Empowers 200 Imo Youths on Electrical Installation and Maintenance

According to him, part of his preoccupations since assuming office in September is to give adequate attention to enhance the human capital potential of the Agency through improved motivation for staff to enable them adjust to the transformations to be introduced in the system.

He said stakeholders’ engagements and efforts to rebrand the Agency around its products and technologies have remained top priorities.

The New NASENI Chief Executive said that the era of stacking prototypes on shelves has ended in the Agency, saying that all its products and technologies must find their ways to the market.

“We are going to do a national re-branding to have footsteps of NASENI products in every household in the country. In the next few years this is what Nigerians should expect. We are no longer going to sit back to watch endless research and prototypes, keeping them on the shelves.

“We will take them to the market so that Nigerians can consume them. In fact, one of our next year plans is to have NASENI Showrooms in key cities of the country. So that NASENI products are not things you view only on televisions but anyone could walk into our product outlets to experience those technologies that we’ve been talking about. And that is another way we will be expecting the public to hold us accountable as part of the promises we made.”

The EVC/CEO further stated that he met lots of wonderful researches with over 150 products at prototypes level when he came on board. “However, the commercialization aspects are very little. Coming from my background of manufacturing and technology innovation, I believe the whole essence of doing research is to transform it into meaningful products that will have impacts on the economy.’’

“We are going to do this through technology transfer. Ever since we made the announcement to go into technology transfer particularly, especially the intention to have our products in the market, we have been receiving a lot of interests from private sector organisations looking out for our capacity, the spread and goodwill which we are endowed with being a government organisation and how they can partner with us.”

He recalled a recent trip to China by the top management of the Agency, led by the EVC/CEO himself: “we just came back from China with the Vice President from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum where we signed a $2 billion dollar partnership MOU for technology transfer into Nigeria which is something we were able to achieve in just five weeks of operations. At the same forum, we received a lot of partners that provided letters of Intent to partner with us, to invest in the country’s economy amounting to $4 billion.”

NASENI signs MoU with Chinese Companies over $2bn Investments

The EVC said NASENI’s China trip has the potential to yield about $6 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nigeria. And the areas that the agency received interests were around Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), Electric Vehicles (EVs), Agricultural equipment, Electronics and Electrical equipment and many others.

This effort he observed has sent a positive signal to the world and potential partners. “Everyone is looking forward to Africa, there is no better time than now to leapfrog development, reduction of unemployment and alleviation of poverty. We have resources in abundance and we have to add value to whatever we are doing.  One of the alarming things in our economy is the fact that we are adding little or no values to our commodities, yet we are heavily a consuming economy with a big workforce. We are trying to see how we are going to change that narrative; given the kind of mandate we have at NASENI,” he said.

Nigeria cannot afford to continue to export her raw materials, therefore we have set up strategies, outfits and partners to see to the kind of policies as well as government inputs to support our desire to add value to our commodities and raw materials before exports.

Mr. Halilu recalled that NASENI under him has rigorously been involved in lots of stakeholder engagements with many organisations showing interest in its activities for collaboration and products offtake. One of such partners, he said was the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), for example, which had committed itself to a whopping $200 million procurement agreement with NASENI as long as our agency could produce the kind of products they consume.”

He said that NASENI’s team has also conferred with the Minister of Science and Technology to explore areas of opportunities around gas, ditto, the Ministers of Information and Finance amongst other stakeholders.

He added that lots of stakeholders’ have lined up and shown much interests in the new direction being charted by the New NASENI, and are willing to partner with the agency.

The most recent of the stakeholders’ engagement took place on Wednesday this week when the management of the Agency, led by the EVC/CEO, met with members of the National Assembly, especially the Senate Committee on NASENI which has oversight function on the Agency.

“The distinguished lawmakers wanted products to come to the economy and NASENI too wants products to go into the market, so both we and the senators are on the same page in terms of expectation and the renewed hope to revamp the economy along the lines of productivity and development of the real sector.