The newly appointed executive vice chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Mr. Khalil Halilu has pledged to harness science, technology and innovation (STI) to advance President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda and stimulate Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.
Speaking at his official address to the management and staff of NASENI after taking office on September 1, 2023, Halilu, a tech expert and entrepreneur, articulated his vision for NASENI. He emphasised the agency’s pivotal role in supporting President Tinubu’s economic agenda, focusing on key areas such as food security, poverty alleviation, economic growth, job creation, access to capital through consumer credit, inclusivity, security improvement, rule of law and anti-corruption.
In his statement, Halilu underscored the abundant opportunities in the 21st century for Nigeria to excel in science, technology, engineering and innovation. He promised that NASENI, under his leadership, would play a central role in facilitating technology transfer that would catalyse Nigeria’s economic development.
“Our duty here at NASENI will be to use our resources, our talents, our capacity, and our energy to drive economic development priority areas of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, in line with the Act establishing this agency,” he stated.
He acknowledged the substantial responsibilities that NASENI bears as a preeminent agency with numerous development institutes and over 4,000 staff members. Halilu urged NASENI’s dedicated workforce to put forth their best efforts and commit to the agency’s mission, assuring them that their welfare would be a top priority under his leadership. He pledged an open-door policy, inviting staff to actively contribute their ideas and efforts towards rejuvenating NASENI.
Halilu stressed, “We shall adopt, adapt, and domesticate cutting-edge technologies, wherever we find them. We will build a pool of well-educated and talented personnel, support world-class research and development (R&D), and build partnerships and collaborations across Nigeria, Africa and the world”.
He emphasised NASENI’s commitment to collaborating with government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), both at the federal and state levels, as well as engaging with the private sector, international organisations, development partners and the media.
Addressing the pressing economic challenges, Halilu pledged to place NASENI prominently on the economic development map. He outlined his agenda, highlighting the focus on technology transfer, acknowledging Nigeria’s vast talent pool and the need to capitalise on these resources to boost the nation’s GDP.
Halilu’s appointment was received warmly by the top management staff of NASENI, who guided him on a tour of the agency’s facilities. During a management meeting, officials expressed their support for his leadership and their commitment to working towards NASENI’s success and its positive impact on the economy.
Halilu is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology expert with a history of success in business development, both locally and internationally. He holds an M.Sc. in international business and a B.Sc. in business administration from the University of Hertfordshire, UK. He is well-versed in data science, database administration, big data, e-commerce and Oracle database programming 10G.
Before his appointment as EVC of NASENI, Halilu held positions on the boards and played advisory roles in various successful companies. He has contributed to Kuming Power China Group, Nuli Foods Company, CGC Construction, Dantata Foods Ltd., Gongoni Company Ltd., Broadbased Connectivity Limited, Fata Tannery, Sudabelt Medical, ShapShap Technologies Ltd., OyaOya Strategic Services Ltd., KSH Construction and Design Ltd., KWNNC Paper Recycling and Prymo.ng.
His career also includes roles as COO at Scirrocco International Ltd., Director at Africa Infotech Consulting and director at JIGS Environmental Services and Agro Allied Ltd. He previously worked at ZCET Global Metering Company and W.J Bush and Co, a statement by the agency’s director of information and protocol, Mr. Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, said.
