NASENI’s Strategic Collaboration, Empowerment Initiatives Yielding Results — EVC Halilu

The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) and CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, has reeled out the achievements of the agency in his 6 months of steering the affairs of the agency.

Some of the achievements, according to Halilu, include that his administration has initiated 35 Market Ready Products; Attracted $2bn investment in Belt & road conference as well as established CNG conversion and training center.

He also highlighted the much impressive Delta 2 technology transfer program between Nigeria & Czech, and initiated Internal reforms & rebranding, which helped to attract $150m investment for battery factory from UAE as well as kickstarted irrigate Nigeria project among others.

He said that NASENI achieved a significant milestone by signing MoUs with three Chinese organizations, a move worth billions of dollars in investments and projects.

These strategic alliances with key Chinese Organizations have been the bedrock of the drive to industrialize Nigeria by maximizing its full potential so that it can compete with the rest of the world in the commercialization of its products.

According to the NASENI boss, this initiative, undertaken during the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Beijing, demonstrates NASENI’s commitment to fostering substantial advancements and collaborations in various sectors.

Halilu also said NASENI and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have reached an agreement to deploy renewable energy technologies, particularly NASENI’s solar resources, to illuminate rural areas in Nigeria. This strategic collaboration aims to enhance electricity accessibility and supply in remote regions, contributing to the country’s sustainable development.

And to ease the housing deficits in the country, NASENI has signed a pivotal MoU, expanding its partnership with Family Homes Fund. This collaboration aims to advance modern and sustainable building designs for affordable housing solutions across Nigeria. The goal is to significantly reduce building material costs, enabling more Nigerians to realize their dream of homeownership.

Mr Halilu, has also actively supported the agency’s initiatives aimed at empowering youths. Notably, NASENI empowered 200 youths in Imo State on electrical installation and maintenance. Additionally, collaborative efforts with National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) highlight a mutual focus on developing local content, both human and material, to drive economic transformation.

Over the past three decades since its establishment, NASENI has played a significant role, particularly in the field of capital goods, research, production, and reverse engineering.

During this time, it has successfully developed more than 150 innovative products. NASENI’s efforts are further bolstered by its development institutes and centers, which contribute to fostering excellence in engineering and manufacturing.

Some of the focused areas in which the agency has made significant investment include: Renewable Energy & Sustainability, Health & Biotechnology, Agriculture & Food, Manufacturing and Sustainable Transportation & Mobility.

Others include Digital Technology, Construction & Smart City Defense & Aerospace, as well as repositioning Nigeria as a Powerhouse of Innovation on the global scene.