The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has evolved into a significant driver of Nigeria’s self-reliance and industrial growth in recent time. Under the leadership of its Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Halilu, the agency has taken on a renewed mission to catapult Nigeria toward self-reliance in technology, bolstering industrial growth with strategic initiatives that are beginning to yield remarkable results. From pioneering research and innovation to securing foreign investments, NASENI is working to transform Nigeria’s economic landscape.
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Strategic Partnerships
A recent highlight in NASENI’s achievements is the $3.25 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) secured from China, marking a historic push for the commercialization of 52 pioneering products developed by NASENI. This commitment not only reflects global confidence in Nigeria’s potential but also NASENI’s ability to broker partnerships that will transform its vision into a reality. The ambitious investment includes a $150 million partnership with Shenzhen LEMI Technology for lithium battery production, positioning Nigeria to become a vital player in the global lithium battery market, a sector crucial to electric vehicles and renewable energy storage solutions, and addressing the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria. Further agreements worth $2 billion have been signed with Chinese firms to boost Nigeria’s expertise in electric vehicle and drone technologies, positioning the nation as a future leader in the high-tech space within Africa.
These partnerships do more than inject capital into the Nigerian economy; they build essential infrastructure, provide job opportunities, and empower Nigeria with the skills and knowledge needed to become an active player in the global tech market.
Driving Technological Advancement and Pioneering Investments in Local Innovations
The transformation of NASENI is not just in funding and focusing on international partnerships but also in championing Nigerian enterprises that drive local innovation. In May 2024, NASENI made its first-ever investment in Powerstove, a pioneering Nigerian company specializing in producing efficient cookstoves. This partnership reflects NASENI’s commitment to fostering homegrown solutions, with Powerstove offering a unique energy-saving product that addresses environmental concerns while providing affordable energy solutions to Nigerians. NASENI’s support of Powerstove aligns with its broader strategy of nurturing indigenous technology that can be scaled and commercialized for broader economic impact.
Similarly, NASENI unveiled a new line of products developed with technical partners in May 2024, showcasing its expanding portfolio in technology-driven solutions. These new products align with Nigeria’s industrial growth objectives and demonstrate NASENI’s capacity to collaborate effectively with both local and international stakeholders.
Collaborations for Sustainable Development:
NASENI’s partnerships extend beyond technology, reaching into agriculture to support rural economies and sustainable practices. For instance, in April 2024, NASENI announced a partnership with Nasarawa State and Bobtrack Tractors, a division of Saint Bob Motors Limited, to manufacture and assemble tractors in Nigeria’s north-central region. This partnership will bolster agricultural productivity, create jobs, and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported machinery, aligning with the government’s broader agricultural goals.
Additionally, NASENI’s ongoing establishment of the Agricultural Machinery Development Institute (AMEDI) in Birni Kebbi, facilitated by the Kebbi State Government’s handover of ten hectares of land in April 2024, signifies another major step in supporting Nigeria’s agricultural mechanization. This initiative is expected to enhance local production and ensure the availability of advanced machinery designed to meet the unique needs of Nigerian farmers.
Supporting Academic and Research Institutions:
NASENI’s contributions also reflect a strong focus on research and development (R&D), critical for long-term technological advancement. In August 2024, NASENI funded a showcase of R&D projects by Nigerian universities, emphasizing its commitment to academia and young innovators. By investing in university-led research, NASENI is fostering a new generation of Nigerian engineers and scientists who can continue the country’s technological progression. This synergy between academic institutions and NASENI not only provides a platform for innovation but also supports the commercialization of research, making it beneficial to the wider economy.
An Integrated Vision for Nigeria’s Future:
Under Halilu’s leadership, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) is moving beyond traditional boundaries, redefining its role from a scientific agency to an essential partner in Nigeria’s socio-economic landscape. This dynamic transformation positions NASENI as a strategic contributor to national self-reliance, fostering an environment where Nigeria’s own innovations and resources meet the demands of an increasingly complex global economy. NASENI’s projects are more than just scientific endeavours; they are building blocks for a self-sustaining Nigeria that can independently meet its technological needs, from agriculture to renewable energy, transportation, and beyond.
With a firm commitment to innovation, collaboration, and economic independence, NASENI is driving Nigeria toward a more prosperous future, showing the world that there is indeed much more than meets the eye in this national agency. As Nigeria takes decisive steps towards a self-reliant and technologically advanced economy, NASENI stands at the forefront, paving the way for a new era of Nigerian innovation.
_Yusuf Nantap writes from Nasarawa State._