Joy Agwunobi
The National Economic Council (NEC) has called on state governments to adopt and integrate technological innovations spearheaded by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) as part of a broader strategy to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification.
This resolution was reached during NEC’s 146th meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, under the chairmanship of Vice President Kashim Shettima. At the session, NEC emphasised the importance of homegrown technological solutions in addressing critical developmental challenges, urging state governments to collaborate with NASENI to foster industrial growth and drive local manufacturing.
Khalil Halilu, NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, presented a comprehensive roadmap titled “NASENI Economic Transformation Through Advancement in Technology Transfer and Adaptation.”
His presentation focused on the agency’s innovative projects and their potential to transform key sectors of the economy. These include renewable energy, health and biotechnology, agriculture, digital technology, construction, smart cities, transportation, and aerospace.
Halilu provided insight into NASENI’s groundbreaking innovations, including the development of electric vehicles and solar-powered home systems aimed at improving rural electrification. He also highlighted smart devices such as laptops and tablets designed for Nigeria’s unique market, solar irrigation pumps to support farming, and coal-based fertilisers intended to boost agricultural productivity across the country.
Halilu stressed that NASENI’s initiatives are geared toward positioning Nigeria as a global hub for innovation through technology transfer and the commercialisation of locally developed products.
He also revealed that the agency has already attracted $3.23 billion in investments and launched the DELT-Her initiative, which empowers women engineers and promotes gender inclusion in the technology and engineering sectors.
The agency also sought NEC’s support in scaling up its efforts, including establishing manufacturing industries in states using locally sourced raw materials, streamlining access to land and seaports, and creating policies that would encourage the adoption of NASENI’s innovations. Additionally, it requested assistance in setting up product showrooms to improve the accessibility and visibility of its technologies.
NEC commended NASENI’s contributions and acknowledged the agency’s role in advancing local manufacturing and industrial development. The Council directed NASENI to expand its initiatives by establishing more lithium battery factories in resource-rich regions and promoting nationwide tractor repairs under the National Asset Restoration Programme. These directives, NEC noted, align with Nigeria’s strategic goals of economic diversification and resilience.
NEC further resolved to leverage NASENI’s expertise to enhance public-private sector collaboration, which is a critical driver of Nigeria’s economic transformation. The Council urged state governments and private stakeholders to partner with NASENI in implementing its innovations to ensure widespread benefits.
