NEC urges states to patronise NASENI for Nigeria’s industrialisation 

The National Economic Council (NEC) has charged state governments to adopt and patronise technological innovations developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialisation.

NASENI’s Director of Information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, disclosed yesterday in a statement that Vice President Kashim Shettima made the call during the 146th NEC meeting in Abuja.

The gathering featured a presentation by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, who outlined a strategic roadmap to drive the nation’s industrial transformation.

The presentation, titled ‘NASENI Economic Transformation Through Advancement in Technology Transfer and Adaptation’, highlighted the agency’s focus on critical sectors such as renewable energy and sustainability, health and biotechnology, agriculture and food manufacturing, sustainable transportation and mobility, digital technology, construction, and smart cities, as well as defence and aerospace.

Halilu detailed several innovations spearheaded by NASENI, including the development of electric vehicles and solar home systems to enhance rural electrification.

He also mentioned smart devices such as laptops and tablets to meet the country’s unique market needs, as well as solar irrigation pumps and coal-based fertilisers to improve agricultural productivity nationwide.

Halilu stressed its commitment to transforming Nigeria into a global innovation hub through technology transfer and product commercialisation.

The agency urged NEC’s support to establish manufacturing industries in the states, by utilising local raw materials.

NASENI also called for streamlined processes relating to land and seaport access, assistance in setting up showrooms for its products, and favourable policies to encourage the adoption of its initiatives.

Halilu said they have attracted $3.23 billion in investments and launched the DELT-Her initiative to empower female engineers.

While commending its efforts to drive local manufacturing and industrial development, NEC directed the agency to scale up the establishment of lithium battery factories in regions with abundant natural resources and promote repairs of tractors nationwide under the National Asset Restoration Programme.

The Council also resolved to leverage NASENI’s support for manufacturing and public sector partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s economic diversification.