…MoU signed for establishment of coal-based fertilizers
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has inked a groundbreaking agreement worth $21.7 million with 11 Nigerian firms as beneficiaries of the Delta-2 projects.
This collaboration stems from the bilateral partnership between the Nigerian government and the Czech Republic, aiming to foster research, development and innovation in agriculture, mining, and general manufacturing for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
At the ceremony held on Monday, December 18, 2023, at NASENI’s headquarters, the executive vice-chairman and chief executive officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu underscored the agency’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s technology and innovation landscape. The Delta-2 programme, initiated in 2022, focuses on funding and enabling projects that contribute to the nation’s economic growth.
The $21.7 million earmarked for the projects will see the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic (TA CR) contributing $11.7 million, while NASENI will provide a counterpart fund of $10 million. The bilateral cooperation between Nigeria and the Czech Republic, which began in 2014, continues to yield transformative results in the technological sphere.
Halilu outlined the Delta-2 programme’s core principles, emphasising collaboration, creation and commercialisation (3Cs). He stressed the importance of translating the outcomes of the partnership into market-ready products, highlighting the real value of technology in its market usefulness and application.
“For every single kobo that NASENI will invest in this phase of the Delta-2 programme, the agency will realise almost six naira (N6) in commercial returns. Our vision is to create value and be relevant in the market,” said Halilu.
The chairman of the Presidential Implementation Committee (PIC) on Technology Transfer/Information Exchange for Delta 2 projects, Dr. Dahiru Mohammed provided insights into the programme’s launch in May 2022. A total of 285 proposals were received from Nigerian companies, spanning various sectors. Evaluation, carried out diligently by experts from the Nigerian Academy of Science, Nigerian Academy of Engineering and the Nigeria-Czech Republic Trade and Investment Council, culminated in the selection of the 11 beneficiary companies.
The Delta-2 projects aim to yield patents, pilot plants, proven technologies, software, certified methodologies, processes and specialised maps and databases. These outcomes are expected to have a direct positive impact on Nigerian farmers, miners and MSME operators.
In a separate development, NASENI signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the production license of coal-based fertilisers in Nigeria with PT Saputra Global Harvest. The agreement covers three critical areas: the supply of machinery and equipment, capacity development through the training of Nigerian personnel and licensing, granting Nigeria permission to produce coal-based fertiliser according to established quality standards.
Halilu emphasised the importance of food security, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda. The collaboration with Saputra supports the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector and strengthens the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Indonesia.
The ceremony witnessed goodwill messages from the Minister of Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji and key parliamentary figures, assuring NASENI of continued support and collaboration for enhanced productivity. The Delta-2 programme, with its far-reaching impact and partnerships, sets the stage for a transformative era in Nigeria’s technological landscape.
