*My stewardship has been characterised by a forward-thinking approach
WorldStage Newsonline– The new vision for the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure(NASENI) brand identity is aimed at driving Nigeria’s industralisation agenda, according to its Executive Vice Chairman (EVC), Mr Khalil Halilu.
Halilu said on Thursday at a news conference to mark his first year in office in Abuja that he took over the affairs of the agency in September 2023 to drive President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda to ensure the advancement of Nigeria’s manufacturing capabilities.
“My stewardship has been characterised by a forward-thinking approach, emphasising the importance of homegrown technological solutions and the critical role of science and engineering in national development, ’’ NASENI EVC said.
According to him, our vision is not just to build a 21st century institution driven by collaboration, creation and commercialisation, to create high quality products and technologies.
“It is also developing commercially viable pipelines for these products to reach the market.’’
Highlighting his feat in first one year, NASENI boss said he introduced the new vision for NASENI’s brand identity.
He added that the agency was repositioned with the 3Cs of Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation.
According to him, NASENI is advancing Nigeria’s industralisation efforts, with increased valued investment upward to 3.25 billion dollars.
Halilu said that the Accelerated Technology Transfer Framework and that 35 market-ready products were launched.
In the institutional reforms, he said he developed 2023-2027 Strategic Launchpad, as well as the agency’s governance structure reformed, with enhanced staff welfare and conditions.
He said he launched the Growth Hacker Platform for staff idea and investment in staff training made.
In policy advocacy and economic impact, the NASENI EVC said that the agency had been positioned as Nigeria’s primary technology transfer agency.
According to him, the agency has provided policy recommendations, contributing to economic growth. This helps to reduce dependence on imports, and promote domestic production.
“We have developed a roadmap for Ajaokuta steel complex revival,’’ he said.
Halilu said that in industralisation efforts, the research-to-application gap had been bridged and off-grid solar lamp systems were deployed.
“The New NASENI established a lithium battery factory, electric/CNG transport options and solar irrigation system, as well as launched the National Asset Restore Programme and the Irrigate Nigeria Project.”
He said the agency developed Made-in-Nigeria laptops, smart devices, smart meters among others, adding that it commenced manufacturing of defence equipment, and established Nigeria’s largest CNG Reverse Engineering Centre and various factories.
In the area of innovation and technology, he said an innovation hub was established at the NESENI headquarters.
“We launched HatchBox for STEM education, digitised the agency’s services and operations, and streamlined administrative processes.”
He said the agency was developing artificial intelligence solutions and online global management courses, providing anti-piracy content and developing a high-performance computing system.
