Maryam Aminu
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has long stood as a symbol of Nigeria’s technological ambitions since its establishment in 1992. However, persistent challenges such as insufficient funding and limited human resources hindered its potential.
In a statement jointly signed by Chinyere Obiora-Ekwuazi, Henry Ukwadia and Hadiza Abdul Abubakar, said the narrative began to change dramatically in September 2023 with the appointment of Khalil Suleiman Halilu as Executive Vice Chairman/CEO.
According to them, the visionary technopreneur, Halilu’s first year at the helm has revolutionized NASENI’s trajectory, transforming it into a powerhouse of innovation and a catalyst for Nigeria’s technological evolution.
Appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Halilu’s mission was unequivocal: elevate NASENI to the forefront of Nigeria’s tech revolution. One year on, the results speak volumes.
They noted that under Halilu’s bold leadership, NASENI has transitioned from theoretical concepts to groundbreaking realities.
In just one year, the agency introduced 36 market-ready products, ranging from electric vehicles and solar-powered irrigation systems to smart prepaid meters and Android smartphones.
These innovations, developed in collaboration with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and strategic partners, represent a decisive move toward self-reliance and reduced import dependence.
“Soon, every Nigerian household will own a NASENI product,” Halilu declared at the outset of his tenure. This vision is rapidly materializing.
They revealed that plans for a dedicated NASENI showroom, showcasing the agency’s cutting-edge innovations, are already underway, bringing these technologies closer to everyday Nigerians.
They expressed that Halilu’s tenure is defined by his transformative 3Cs philosophy:Creation, Collaboration, and Commercialization.
He has positioned NASENI as not just an agency, but as a hub of excellence driving Nigeria’s industrial and technological ambitions.
Key initiatives include the establishment of a $3.25 billion investment drive, the creation of a CNG reverse engineering center in Abuja to champion renewable energy, and the introduction of Hatch Box, a program aimed at boosting STEM education nationwide.
According to the statement, the launch of an innovation hub at NASENI’s headquarters highlights Halilu’s commitment to nurturing future tech leaders.
Beyond these milestones, Halilu has prioritized internal reforms, enhancing staff welfare, overhauling governance frameworks, and setting the agency on a clear path of sustainable growth with the 2023–2027 strategic plan.
Halilu’s vision for NASENI extends beyond immediate gains to a legacy of transformative impact. Ambitious projects such as the NASENI Renewable Industrial Park, small arms assembly, and the NASENI Innovation Hub aim to revolutionize Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
According to them, Programs like the NASENI Public Challenge and Future-Makers initiative are designed to cultivate homegrown tech talent and entrepreneurship.
With an accelerated technology transfer framework, NASENI is poised to boost Nigeria’s manufacturing capacity, create jobs, and energize the economy.
These initiatives will solidify Nigeria’s position as a global contender in technology and innovation while addressing pressing socioeconomic challenges.
As Halilu celebrates one year at NASENI, his transformative leadership has established the agency as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s technological future. His vision of a NASENI-driven economy, fueled by innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, is becoming a tangible reality.
“NASENI is not just an agency, it is the engine powering Nigeria’s technological revolution,” Halilu stated during a recent media briefing.
His roadmap for the future is ambitious yet achievable, laying the groundwork for a self-reliant and technologically advanced Nigeria.
In Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Nigeria has found not just a leader, but a trailblazer determined to rewrite the narrative of the nation’s technological progress. The foundation for a brighter, innovation-driven future is firmly in place, and NASENI is leading the charge.
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