The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is tasked with a critical mandate: to provide the primary and intermediate capital products required for machine and equipment design, fabrication and mass production, creating an enabling environment for the sustainable industrialisation of Nigeria.
Established in 1992, NASENI has long been a cornerstone in Nigeria’s journey toward technological advancement, driving home-grown innovation and improving manufacturing capabilities. Through its development institutes and centers, NASENI has successfully developed more than 150 innovative products and prototypes, contributing significantly to the country’s growth in science, engineering and technology.
However, despite these commendable efforts, NASENI had faced several challenges over the years, particularly in terms of commercialising its research and development (R&D) results. Many of its innovations were left on the shelves, lacking the patronage of local entrepreneurs and businesses. This weak link between NASENI and the private sector—especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and larger corporations—had resulted in a gap where technologies and machines developed by the agency were not widely adopted.
This all began to change on September 4, 2023, when President Bola Tinubu appointed Khalil Halilu as NASENI’s new executive vice chairman and chief executive officer. Tinubu chairs NASENI’s governing board, as stipulated by the agency’s establishment act of 2004. From the moment he took office, Halilu, with a clear understanding of the agency’s most pressing issues, brought about a management transformation that aimed to commercialize NASENI’s products and resources. His goal was to ensure that NASENI’s R&D outcomes—machines, equipment and technologies—became widely available to end-users and helped boost the economy.
NASENI now stands as a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s indigenous technological advancement. Under Halilu’s leadership, the agency has embraced a bold vision and fostered a collaborative management philosophy based on the principles of “creation, collaboration and commercialisation.” This approach has strengthened partnerships with both national and international corporate communities, aligning NASENI with its core mission of fostering science and engineering infrastructure for national progress.
With a background as a tech entrepreneur and businessman, Halilu brought with him a fresh perspective. He emphasised the importance of conserving resources, avoiding duplication of efforts and accelerating the time it takes for products to reach the market. Under his leadership, NASENI’s approach has been to collaborate with serious partners already operating in areas of interest. This allows NASENI to enhance its products and take them to the market faster. Rather than competing with the private sector, NASENI under Halilu has positioned itself as a partner and enabler, helping companies with everything from product design and testing to scaling up production and expanding into new markets.
In just one year, this strategy has yielded remarkable results. NASENI has unveiled a range of branded technological products, including solar irrigation systems, electric vehicles (tricycles and motorcycles), home solar systems, animal feed milling machines, laptops, smartphones, solar street lamps and lithium batteries. These innovations are geared towards job creation and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports.
Halilu’s extensive experience in both the private and public sectors has played a crucial role in driving these transformations. Before his appointment at NASENI, he founded Shap Shap Technologies Limited, a Nigerian logistics startup focusing on last-mile delivery and Africa’s first on-demand commodity marketplace. He also established the CANs, West Africa’s first eco-friendly technology hub. His consulting work has seen him develop solutions for government-citizen engagement, election monitoring, support for victims of gender-based violence, among other projects.
Upon assuming office, Halilu quickly launched NASENI’s Strategic Launchpad, which simplified the agency’s goals into short, medium and long-term plans. He also introduced a new corporate logo with a blue color scheme, symbolising NASENI’s operational affinity with the private sector. His strategic plan, organised around four pillars—enhancing nigeria’s manufacturing capacity, reducing import dependency, repositioning NASENI and leveraging the comparative advantages of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory—has been instrumental in guiding NASENI’s operations.
One of Halilu’s key achievements in his first year has been the successful signing of several critical memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with local and international partners. These partnerships are designed to advance Nigeria’s economic growth and development. Highlights include a $150 million deal with Schenzen LEMI Technology Development Company Ltd to establish a lithium battery manufacturing plant in Nigeria and agreements with three other Chinese companies for projects worth $2 billion. These projects include the establishment of a new energy automobile facility for the production of electric vehicles, an assembly line for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and technology transfers related to lithium batteries and electric vehicles.
Additionally, NASENI has signed agreements with domestic partners such as Galaxy Backbone Ltd, the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the Ministry of Defence. These partnerships focus on supporting NASENI’s High-Performance Computing 2.0 project, renewable energy initiatives and the establishment of an ammunition production factory. The agency has also formed collaborations with Nasarawa State and Bobtrack Tractors for a tractor assembly and production plant, as well as with Caverton Helicopters to create a drone assembly plant and training centre.
NASENI’s partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is another example of its commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges. This collaboration focuses on deploying technical competencies to improve agro-allied industries, mitigate climate change and promote smart solar irrigation for dry-season farming. These initiatives are expected to generate thousands of jobs and significantly contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth.
Halilu’s leadership has also focused on cutting-edge research facilities and technology hubs. Under his guidance, NASENI has revitalised partnerships with local and international stakeholders, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing. His efforts to promote entrepreneurship, job creation and economic growth have been widely recognised, with many citing NASENI’s role in advancing green energy initiatives and climate change mitigation.
One of Halilu’s major accomplishments has been improving staff welfare and human capital development at NASENI. He introduced enhanced staff welfare packages and capacity-building programs, ensuring that every NASENI employee, from junior staff to senior management, has received training to improve work performance. These initiatives have inspired a new mindset within the organisation, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
NASENI’s focus on continuous training and skill development has been instrumental in positioning the agency to meet global standards. The emphasis on leveraging the agency’s capabilities has not only transformed NASENI but has also positioned it as a key player in shaping Nigeria’s technological landscape.
In just 365 days, Halilu has brought remarkable transformations to NASENI. The agency is now a leader in driving Nigeria’s technological advancements and its impacts on the economy are already being felt. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and strategic leadership, NASENI is poised to make significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic prosperity. The next few years promise to be an exciting time for NASENI, as it continues to lead the way in fostering technological innovation and driving economic growth under Khalil Suleiman Halilu’s visionary leadership.
Ayeoyenikan is the director of information, NASENI. He wrote in from the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.
