The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in Nigeria has set ambitious goals to lift 2.5 million people out of poverty within five years through technology transfer and various programs. CEO Khalil Halilu shared this vision during a recent media briefing in Abuja.
Halilu outlined the organization’s plans to reduce the country’s import bill by 25% to $37.4 billion by 2030 through partnerships that promote local manufacturing of highly demanded items. Additionally, NASENI aims to create over three million jobs by 2030 through technology knowledge transfer to 300,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
The organization also plans to increase imports to N53.6 trillion by 2030 through value addition and strategic partnerships with foreign markets. By facilitating access to technology and international markets, NASENI seeks to transform Nigeria’s economy and boost transactions.
NASENI has already made significant strides in building the capacity of SMEs by collaborating with them to produce 35 market products, including electric tricycles, laptops, phones, lithium batteries, solar home systems, and solar irrigation equipment. Halilu emphasized that these achievements were made possible through partnerships with local SMEs to address local needs efficiently.
In a strategic collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency, NASENI is deploying renewable energy technologies, particularly solar resources, in rural communities to improve electricity visibility and supply. The organization is also exploring opportunities to develop solar energy technology as an alternative power source and harness minerals like Lithium for renewable energy transition.
NASENI’s partnership with a Chinese firm to build a Lithium Iron plant worth $150 million underscores Nigeria’s commitment to meeting global energy transition demands. The organization has also deployed over 5,000 solar home systems in Nasarawa State and plans to expand this initiative nationwide.
Furthermore, NASENI is reviving 55,000 broken-down tractors under its National Tractor and Vehicle Recovery program, converting them into cleaner energy sources like Compressed and Liquefied Natural Gas. The organization is also working to refurbish armoured personnel carriers and abandoned weapons to prevent them from falling into the wrong hands.
To promote gender diversity in the engineering sector, NASENI has launched the Developing Engineering Leaders through Her (DELT-HER) fund scheme to encourage women’s participation. Halilu highlighted the need for increased women inclusion in engineering, citing Nigeria’s low 5% representation compared to the global average of 28%.
As the sole government agency mandated to intervene in engineering, science, and infrastructure, NASENI plays a crucial role in driving technological innovation and economic development in Nigeria.
