In a move to fast-track Nigeria’s industrialisation, the National Economic Council, NEC, has urged state governments to patronise technological innovations developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, NASENI.
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 industrialisation.
A statement signed by the director of Information, NASENI, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, said Mr. 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 & Sustainability, Health & Biotechnology, Agriculture & Food Manufacturing, Sustainable Transportation & Mobility, Digital Technology, Construction & Smart City, Defense & Aerospace.
The agency sought NEC support to 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 NASENI activities.
Halilu highlighted the agency’s innovations in energy security to include 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 fertilisers to improve agricultural productivity.
The NASENI boss reiterated the agency’s commitment to transforming Nigeria into a global innovation powerhouse through technology transfer, product commercialisation, adding that the agency 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).
“Our mission is clear: to make NASENI the ‘go-to’ institution for technology transfer in Nigeria,” he stated, adding that the agency has attracted $3.23 billion in investments, launched DELT-Her initiative for female engineers, and how the agency is championing renewable energy projects.
The council 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 NEC meeting further resolved to harness NASENI’s tailored support for manufacturing and public sector partnerships, ensuring Nigeria benefits from infrastructure, policy frameworks, and market access critical for economic diversification.
NASENI remains committed to working with states and the private sector to unlock Nigeria’s potential for industrial innovation and sustainable development.