By Abubakar Yunusa
The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, has outlined his vision to transform the agency into a 21st-century hub for collaboration, creation, and commercialization.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja as he marked one year in office, Halilu emphasized the need for partnerships to develop high-quality products and technologies, and to build commercially viable pipelines for these innovations.
Halilu noted that his first year as Executive Vice Chairman has focused on technology transfer, innovation, institutional rebranding, capacity building, and the commercialization of NASENI’s research and development prototypes.
“ My leadership is also prioritized partnerships to promote homegrown industrialization.
“My one-year journey with NASENI exemplifies unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s innovation and industrial growth. We have proven our manufacturing capabilities, invested in staff training, and laid the foundation for sustainable industrial practices,” Halilu stated.
He highlighted the agency’s efforts to conduct research that supports Nigeria’s industrial growth and enhances the skills of NASENI staff through training and development programs. These initiatives align with President Tinubu’s industrialization reform agenda.
“We have partnered with both local and international institutions, leveraging their resources and expertise to drive innovation and industrial development,” Halilu said.
He added that NASENI has created policies to foster a conducive environment for innovation and industrialization.
Halilu also pointed out that NASENI is committed to reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported technologies and promoting domestic production. The agency has supported sustainable development projects and sponsored research aimed at addressing environmental challenges, especially in the renewable energy and agricultural sectors.
Focusing on the commercialization of NASENI’s research outputs, Halilu stressed the importance of bridging the gap between research and practical innovation.
“Next year, I aim to further enhance NASENI’s impact on Nigeria’s technological and industrial landscape, ensuring that all viable products are commercialized rather than left as prototypes,” he said.
One of my key goals is to transform NASENI into a catalyst for industrialization and economic diversification in Africa.
