Nigeria’s ambition of becoming an industrial nation is built on a strategic vision to diversify its economy, reduce reliance on oil, and foster sustainable growth and economic development. To achieve this great vision, it is pertinent to effectively deploy science, technology, and innovation (STI) as veritable tools that have historically served and propelled global industrial development and economically sustainable powers.
In making this greatness in a densely populated country like Nigeria, comes the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), a key and prominent institution dedicated to enabling Nigeria’s technological advancement and industrial competitiveness. Established by the 2004 Act of the National Assembly, as a first-stop government institution for technology development in Nigeria, NASENI’s primary target is to empower Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) through impartation of technologies, engineering principles and practices for the production of equipment that will meet international standards as well as sustenance of a flourishing local capital goods or industry.
It is no longer a fresh perspective for an average citizen to re-emphasize the role of science and technology on Industrial growth and development, looking at how it has been serving as the backbone of industrial development in both developed and developing nations of the world. The transformation of science and technology from automation and digitalization to sustainable manufacturing and advanced materials and innovations in the respective viable fields of the economy determines the pace and quality of economic transformation that the country stands to achieve.
In Nigeria, for instance, science and technology has become a leveraging channel where the country is unlocking new industrial capabilities, increasing local production, and ultimately enhancing the standard of living through capacity building, job creation and promotion of the local content.
As a catalyst for industrial advancement, the concept of establishing NASENI is indeed great, particularly with the soaring mandate of promoting and developing engineering infrastructure in the country. There is no gainsaying that NASENI has become a driving force in Nigeria’s quest for industrialization through its multifaceted approaches, which principally include research and policy advocacy. The Agency also ensures that science and technology are not abstract concepts, but practical instruments for growth and development.
To make it real in the sand of time, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, conceptualized the principle of 3C creation, collaboration and commercialization. This principle was specially designed to address the country’s yearning for advanced scientific innovations and technology drive for an independent and sustainable reliance on the country’s products and services.
NASENI has intervened in the areas of Engineering Materials; Scientific equipment and components for education, research, and industry, communication equipment and computers; Engineering Accessories (mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and electronic); Engineering Design of components parts, plants, and processes; Power Equipment (generation, transmission, distribution, and prime mover); Mechanical Engineering tools (power tools, hand tools, cutting tools and machine tools); Prototype Development; Advanced Manufacturing Technology programmes; Advanced Materials and Nano Technology and New and Emerging Technologies, among others.
NASENI breakthroughs do not only dwell on that alone, it has also promoted the following areas:
1. Research and Development (R&D): NASENI has invested heavily in research and development, thereby creating indigenous solutions tailored to Nigeria’s unique and peculiar challenges. From the development of locally made machines to prototypes in renewable energy and robotics, NASENI’s R&D centres have fostered innovation that addresses both industrial needs and socio-economic demands.
2. Infrastructure Development: Recognizing the fact that science thrives on solid infrastructure, NASENI has established advanced laboratories, prototype centres, and engineering facilities across Nigeria. These hubs serve as enablers for innovation, providing platforms where ideas are tested, refined, and transformed into market-ready products.
3. Capacity Building: NASENI has been empowering the next generation through its capacity-building initiatives designed to bridge the skill gap in the science and technology sector. Through training programmes, workshops, and technical education, the Agency nurtures a workforce equipped with the competencies required in a modern industrial economy. Special attention is given to young engineers, researchers, and technicians who form the backbone of future innovation.
In this engagement, the Agency has also collaborated with the Presidential Implementation Committee on Technology Transfer (PCITT), where female engineers were specially trained while other female prospective engineers were equally encouraged with the aim of bridging the existing gap between the number of male and female engineers practicing in the country. This initiative has paved the way for female engineers to contribute to the nation in times of the latest innovations.
4. Technology Transfer: This initiative has helped in bridging research and industrial development gaps, and to this end, scientific innovations have been translating into tangible economic benefits. NASENI actively engages in technology transfer through collaboration with industries, academia, and international partners. The Agency has facilitated the adoption of cutting-edge technologies by local industries, fostering a culture of innovation and competitiveness.
5. Policy Support: NASENI as a visionary Agency has been playing critical roles in advising policymakers on science and technology development strategies, thereby aligning national policies with global trends and local needs or need assessment of Nigerians, and ensures building a regulatory environment that supports innovation, encourages investment and drives industrial growth.
NASENI like any other similar mandate Agency of the world have impact and success stories to tell despite some past challenges. Several industries have already begun to reap the benefits of NASENI’s interventions, ranging from the development of solar-powered irrigation systems for agriculture, the fabrication of industrial machines for SMEs, and the local production of spare parts for manufacturing plants are just a few examples.
These initiatives have not only boosted productivity but also generated employment and reduced import dependency. In the social sphere, NASENI’s emphasis on renewable energy has enhanced access to electricity in rural areas through the NASENI Solar Home System, while its educational programmes have uplifted thousands of youth with marketable skills through the NASENI skill acquisition.
Over the past three decades of its establishment, NASENI has played significant roles, particularly in the field of capital goods, research, production, and reverse engineering. During this time, it has successfully developed more than 150 innovative products as well as prototypes. Its efforts, bolstered by its Development Institutes and Centres, contribute to fostering excellence in engineering and manufacturing.
NASENI’s focus spans various sectors including Renewable Energy & Sustainability, Health & Biotechnology, Agriculture & Food Manufacturing, Sustainable Transportation & Mobility, IT & Software, Construction & Smart City, and Defense & Aerospace. These endeavours are supported by mono-mandate research and development institutes strategically positioned across the six geopolitical zones, enabling NASENI to fulfill its mandate. The track records underscore the potential for the Agency to unlock value and reposition Nigeria’s economy.
As the Agency navigates to a ensure Nigeria’s industrial renaissance, the future direction it is envisioning is built on a strong foundation. NASENI is poised to scale its impact through strategic partnerships with relevant technology expertise, increased funding for innovation, and deeper integration with Nigeria’s industrial sector. Plans are underway to better enhance local content development, expand research into emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and green energy, and position Nigeria as a technology hub in Africa.
This, of course, can better be examined through the recent groundbreaking ceremony on NASENI interventions on science and innovation at Bayero University, Kano. This rare determination by the EVC of NASENI, Mr. Halilu, is a testament that Nigeria will survive, using her product and services.
Once again, NASENI stands as a testament to what strategic investment in science and technology can achieve. Its contributions have laid the groundwork for a more industrially robust Nigeria, with long-term benefits for the economy and society. As the nation continues its journey toward industrial self-reliance, the role of science, technology, and agencies like NASENI will remain indispensable in shaping a prosperous future.
