The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is emerging as a crucial driver of Nigeria’s industrial economy, aligning with global models seen in countries like China and Japan. These nations, once less industrialized, invested heavily in research and development (R&D), innovation, and technology, transforming into global economic giants.
Industrial growth and manufacturing are essential for Nigeria’s development, addressing issues of poverty, unemployment, and insecurity. An industrial economy relies on the use of machines and technology across various sectors, producing goods and services for the market. Effective science, technology, and innovation (STI) infrastructures are fundamental to this transformation.
Historically, Japan and China, despite missing out on the initial industrial revolutions in the 17th to 19th centuries, have rapidly industrialized by prioritizing substantial investments in R&D and innovation. Similarly, the Asian Tigers—Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and others—achieved economic success by recognizing the importance of science and innovation early on.
For Nigeria, prioritizing engineering, science, technology, and innovation is critical for sustainable economic growth. Nations like Japan, the USA, China, and Germany have become economic powerhouses by dedicating 5-6% of their GDP to STI development. NASENI, established in 1992, was designed to build a dynamic science and engineering infrastructure base, fostering local machine design and manufacturing capabilities.
NASENI’s past R&D efforts have led to significant advancements in sectors such as agriculture, power, water resources, automotive industry, ICT, health, aviation, education, transportation, and manufacturing. However, the agency faced challenges due to low commercialization and lack of local patronage.
Under the leadership of Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, a techpreneur and businessman, NASENI is now focused on full commercialization of its R&D outputs. This shift aims to make NASENI’s products and technologies widely available, boosting the economy. Halilu emphasizes collaboration, creation, and commercialization, partnering with national and international communities to enhance product development and market reach.
Recently, NASENI showcased several technological innovations, including solar irrigation systems, electric vehicles, home solar systems, animal feed milling machines, laptops, smartphones, solar streetlamps, and lithium batteries. These initiatives aim to create jobs and reduce import dependency.
In addition to promoting digital technologies and additive manufacturing, NASENI is developing an electronic voting solution to reduce electoral malpractices and other projects like smart prepaid meters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to drive economic development.
Looking ahead, NASENI plans to transition from “Semi-Knocked Down” (SKD) to “Completely Knocked Down” (CKD) assembly, increasing the use of locally-sourced materials and ensuring full transfer of intellectual property and technology for domestic adaptation.
Halilu is committed to keeping the public informed about NASENI’s progress, emphasizing the agency’s role in scaling up local content sourcing and strengthening domestic production capacities. NASENI aims to lead Nigeria’s economic transformation through the development of indigenous solutions, supporting infrastructure, and driving technological advancement.
As Nigeria continues its journey toward industrialization, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure remains at the forefront, advocating for continuous investment in science, technology, and innovations to secure a prosperous future.
Mr. Olusegun S. Ayeoyenikan, Director of Information at NASENI Headquarters, Abuja, underscores the agency’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s economic landscape through strategic STI investments.
