In a move to fast-track Nigeria’s industrialization and economic digitalization drive, 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, gave this advice during the 146th NEC meeting which he chaired at the Presidential Villa, Abuja following a presentation by the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, which detailed a strategic roadmap by the agency for Nigeria’s industrialization.
Halilu, 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 and Sustainability, Health and Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food Manufacturing, Sustainable Transportation and Mobility, Digital Technology, Construction and Smart City, and Defense and Aerospace.
The EVC solicited the support of the NEC to enable the agency 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 its activities.
In addition, Halilu 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.
He reiterated the agency’s commitment to transforming Nigeria into a global innovation powerhouse through technology transfer, product commercialization, adding that it 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).
The industry expert, who maintained the management’s mission remained clear, that is “to make NASENI the ‘go-to’ institution for technology transfer in Nigeria”, said that the agency had attracted $3.23 billion in investments, launched the DELT-Her initiative for female engineers, and now vigorously championing renewable energy projects.
The NEC 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 Council further resolved to harness NASENI’s tailored support for manufacturing and public sector partnerships, ensuring that the country benefits from infrastructure, policy frameworks, and market access critical for economic diversification
