"NEC Calls for Increased State Adoption of NASENI Innovations to Boost Industrialization"
By Gloria Sarauniya Usman
ABUJA, NIGERIA November, 2024- In a strategic push to accelerate Nigeria's industrialization, the National Economic Council (NEC) has called on state governments to adopt and invest in the technological innovations developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, made this appeal during the 146th NEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The meeting featured a presentation by the Executive Vice Chairman of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, who unveiled a strategic roadmap aimed at transforming Nigeria into an industrialized nation through technology and innovation.
In his presentation titled “NASENI Economic Transformation Through Advancement in Technology Transfer and Adaptation,” Mr. Halilu highlighted the agency’s initiatives in key sectors such as Renewable Energy and Sustainability, Health and Biotechnology, Agriculture and Food Manufacturing, Sustainable Transportation, Digital Technology, Construction, Defense, and Aerospace.
The agency sought NEC's support in establishing manufacturing industries across states, utilizing local raw materials, streamlining land and seaport processes, fostering partnerships in the public sector, setting up NASENI product showrooms, and creating policies to promote its activities.
Mr. Halilu showcased NASENI's groundbreaking achievements, including:
Energy security innovations like electric vehicles and solar-powered home systems for rural electrification.
Smart devices, including laptops and tablets tailored for Nigeria’s market.
Solar irrigation pumps and coal-based fertilizers to enhance agricultural productivity.
He also outlined ongoing projects such as the NASENI Troment (Vaccine Factory), NASENI Portland (CNG Centre), NASENI Devfrontier (Solar Light and Battery), NASENI Renewable Park, and NASENI Family Homes (Sustainable Housing).
“Our mission is to position NASENI as the premier institution for technology transfer in Nigeria,” Halilu emphasized, revealing that the agency has attracted $3.23 billion in investments and launched the DELT-Her initiative to empower female engineers.
NEC praised NASENI's efforts in fostering local manufacturing and technological development. The Council directed the agency to expedite the establishment of lithium battery factories in resource-rich regions and repair tractors under the National Asset Restoration Programme.
Additionally, NEC resolved to enhance collaboration with NASENI to ensure states and public-private partnerships benefit from infrastructure, policy frameworks, and market access vital for economic diversification.
NASENI reaffirmed its commitment to working with state governments and the private sector to unlock Nigeria’s potential for industrial innovation and sustainable development.
The Press Release was e-signed by Olusegun Ayeoyenikan
Director of Information, NASENI.
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