The executive vice chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu has been honoured with the prestigious African Achievers Award at the 15th edition of the ceremony held at the historic House of Lords, UK Parliament.
The award was presented during a high-profile event that convened royals, global leaders, policymakers, and innovators to celebrate outstanding achievements across the continent. Halilu was recognised for his exceptional leadership in advancing Africa’s technological infrastructure, innovation ecosystems, and industrial development through his stewardship at NASENI.
The ceremony was hosted by Baroness Sandip Verma, Chancellor of the University of Roehampton and a prominent member of the House of Lords. It served as a vibrant global stage for showcasing African excellence, with Halilu joining a distinguished cohort of honourees, including public servants, corporate leaders, and philanthropists shaping Africa’s future.
In his acceptance speech, Halilu reaffirmed Africa’s readiness to lead globally in innovation, industrialisation, and sustainability. “It is a great honour to receive this award alongside fellow visionaries committed to Africa’s future. At NASENI, we are bridging the gap between ambition and access, turning ideas into industries, empowering indigenous solutions, and driving Nigeria’s and Africa’s industrial transformation. Africa is not just rising, it is ready,” he said.
A statement by director of information, new media and protocol at NASENI, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan noted that under Halilu’s leadership, the agency has been repositioned as Nigeria’s primary technology transfer institution. It is delivering on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda by fostering local production in sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture, digital infrastructure and transportation.
Through initiatives like the Accelerated Technology Transfer and Adaptation Strategy, NASENI is building Nigeria into a hub of sustainable innovation and industrial self-reliance. Halilu expressed gratitude to the organisers, saying, “I thank the African Achievers Awards team, Baroness Sandip Verma, and all those across Africa and the diaspora who continue to champion African solutions. This recognition is a motivation to do more and a reminder that the future we seek is one we must build ourselves.”
The award affirms NASENI’s growing continental role in delivering homegrown technologies tailored to Africa’s needs, accelerating development, and uniting the continent around a shared vision of progress.
