Khalil Suleiman Halilu, executive vice chairman/Chief Executive in a presentation titled “Fast-Tracking Industrialization Through Science and Engineering Infrastructure” at the WorldStage Economic Summit (WES) 2014 held in Lagos, recently, said collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and research institutions are essential for driving technological advancements while PPPs can leverage resources, expertise, and funding to accelerate innovation and industrial growth.

Represented by Ibrahim Dauda Coordinating Director F&A of NASENI, the EVC said,

“Developing local industries can create jobs, reduce imports, and boost the economy. Investing in local manufacturing capabilities strengthens the domestic industrial base and reduces reliance on foreign goods.”

As for Green Technologies, he said adopting sustainable technologies was crucial for long-term industrial growth as green technologies minimize environmental impact, promote resource efficiency, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Moreover,  Halilu said, digital transformation entails harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and automation in industries to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. Digital transformation is essential for staying ahead in the global marketplace.

At the WES 2024 with the theme: ‘Nigeria: Setting a Stage For Business And Economic Recovery’ Halilu described industrialization as a cornerstone of national development, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and improving living standards.

“Science and engineering play a pivotal role in this process, serving as the foundation for innovation, production efficiency, and technological advancements,” he said.

“The benefits of industrialization are in employment generation, poverty reduction, improved living standard, improved economic growth and development, balance of payment stability, self-reliance, stimulation of other sectors of the economy, and development of skilled manpower.”

At the WES 2024 which also attracted top executives and academicians including Dr. Aminu Maida,  Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Dr. Emomotimi Agama, Director General, Security and Exchange Commission (SEC); Prof Diran Akinleye, Head of Department of Economics, University of Lagos (UNILAG); Prof Yaqub Jameelah Omolara, Head of Department of Economics, Lagos State University (LASU), the  NASENI boss said agency was at the forefront of advancing Nigeria’s science and engineering sectors to propel industrial growth and the role of science and engineering infrastructure Innovation hub, Technology transfer, and skilled workforce.

“Establishing centers for research and development in engineering, material science, and technology is crucial for fostering innovation. These hubs act as catalysts for groundbreaking discoveries and technological breakthroughs, driving industrial progress,” he said.

“Encouraging partnerships between academia, government, and private industries is essential for bridging the gap between research and practical application. This collaboration fosters innovation by facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technologies from research institutions to the industrial sector.

“Investing in education, training and retraining programs to produce skilled engineers, scientists, and technologists is paramount. A well-trained workforce is essential for implementing innovative technologies, driving productivity, and ensuring the success of industrialization efforts.”

He said NASENI as the only on-purpose built intervention agency of the Federal Government under the Presidency whose mandate include nurturing an appropriate and dynamic Science and Engineering infrastructure base for achieving home initiated and home sustained industrialization for Nigeria is ready support any innovative idea from Nigerians.

“NASENI is established with similar template  like its contemporaries in the diaspora used for industrial development such as Standard and Industrial Research Institute of Malaysia (SIRIM), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) Thailand, Badan Pengkajian dan Penerapan Teknologi (BPPT) Indonesia, Government Technology Agency (GovTech) of Singapore,” he said.

Already, he said NASENI was making Contributions and Future Strategies in the areas of R&D and Innovation, Capacity Building Programs, Policy Support and Advocacy, Energy,

“NASENI is actively involved in research and development projects in areas such as renewable energy, automation, and advanced manufacturing. These projects aim to develop innovative technologies and solutions for industrial applications,” he said.

He listed some of NASENI commercialized products to include NASENI 14-inch Professional Laptop, NASENI Electric KEKE, NASENI IP66 200W Solar Light, NASENI Android Smartphone, NASENI 10-inch Android Tablet, NASENI Solar Irrigation Pump, NASENI ENERGY SAVING LED LIGHT, NASENI SOLAR GENERATOR.

With a vision of  a technologically advanced and industrialized Nigeria, where science and engineering drive economic prosperity and societal progress, he said the agency was committed to playing a pivotal role in realizing this vision.

“Continuous investment in science and engineering is crucial for sustainable industrial growth,” he said.

“By prioritizing research, development, and innovation, Nigeria can unlock its full potential and achieve a brighter future.”

The products which were presented to the media at the Agency’s headquarters in Abuja on Thursday May 9, 2024 included NASENI Laptop, NASENI Android smartphone, NASENI Lithium battery and NASENI 300watts LED Solar Street Lamp.

Mr. Halilu who briefed the media on the Agency’s activities, achievements in line with NASENI Strategic Launchpad, disclosed that some of the products are already in the market and others have been pre-booked for the rest of the year.

He also recalled that the Agency had, earlier in the year, unveiled its Solar Irrigation System, Electric Keke, electric Motorcycle and Solar-powered Cargo Tricycle during the oversight visit by the Senate Committee on NASENI.

He said many people wanted to see a Nigeria National Brand and products in the market and NASENI is making efforts to ensure that its branded products are in the market.

The EVC/CEO stated that NASENI is the only purpose-built Agency of the Federal Government aimed at domesticating technology both capital and consumer goods.

He said the new management under him has adopted a fast track approach and is fully interested in Technology Transfer and Commercialization of its research and development (R&D) products, adding that all these efforts are aimed at creating jobs, wealth and reducing import bills for the nation.

According to Halilu, the agency has embarked on its 3Cs principles of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialization with both public and private sectors strategic partners to ensure that the agency does not only embark on research but to take the products to end users.

“We have identified our partners and also leveraged on existing technology to come up with products that are not only competitive but also market driven. This is to ensure sustainability of the products. We tell the investors to work with us and support industrialization efforts of the country. The key thing we do differently is to take our R&D results (products) to the market.”, he explained.

Some of the achievements and ongoing activities of the Agency highlighted at the briefing included the development of NASENI Proposal Evaluation Portal, NASENI Growth Hacker, NASENI ERP, NASENI eProcurement, NASENI StemBox, NASENI Innovation Hub, PICTT e.g.: Delta2 and DeltHer, amongst others.