…To generate 3m jobs
By George Okereke
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is aiming to reduce the import bill by 25% by the end of 2030.
NASENI through its technology transfer initiatives, also targets to generate over 3 million jobs, increase exports to N53.6 trillion, and lift 2.5 million people out of poverty.
The Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu told newsmen in Abuja that the agency has identified low economic productivity due to limited industrial and technological advancement as a critical challenge.
Halilu said with manufacturing contributing a mere 10% to the GDP and SMEs accounting for only 6.21% of exports, NASENI’s approach is poised to catalyze change.
He noted that the recent surge in imports, which has risen by 66% over the last four years to $60.5 billion, underscored the urgency of this mission.
He also hinged NASENI’s solution on rapid technology transfer, aiming to accelerate economic growth by identifying opportunities for local manufacturing, building and localizing prototypes, and establishing key partnerships for technology transfer.
He equally explained that the initiative is also expected to create value-added manufacturing and commercialize products for the market.
Our correspondent reports that the agency’s recent milestones include strategic alliances with Chinese organizations, a collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency to deploy solar resources in rural areas, and a partnership with Family Homes Fund to promote sustainable building designs for affordable housing.
These efforts, according to him, are complemented by empowerment initiatives that have already seen the training of 200 youths in Imo State on electrical installation and maintenance.
In the past six months, he said that NASENI has achieved remarkable traction, with 35 market-ready products, significant investments attracted from the Belt and Road conference, and the launch of several programs including the National Tractor and Vehicle Recovery Program.
Halilu further stated that with over three decades of experience, NASENI is strategically positioned to execute rapid innovation through technology transfer, impacting various sectors such as renewable energy, health, biotechnology, agriculture, manufacturing, and more.
According to him, by adopting a new approach to technology transfer, the agency has cut down the go-to-market time by 75%, while emphasizing market-viable designs, leveraged production, and a focus on commercialization.
NASENI’s commercialized products range from electric tricycles to solar irrigation systems, street lamps, and lithium batteries for electronic devices which are examples of the feat achieved.
