The National Economic Council has urged state governments to adopt and support technological innovations developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure.
The Council emphasized that patronizing local technology is crucial to accelerating Nigeria’s industrialization.
NASENI’s Director of Information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, in a statement on Monday said that Vice President Kashim Shettima made the call during the 146th NEC meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The meeting included a presentation by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Khalil Halilu, who outlined a strategic roadmap for driving Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
Halilu’s presentation, titled “NASENI Economic Transformation Through Advancement in Technology Transfer and Adaptation,” highlighted the agency’s focus on key sectors including renewable energy, health and biotechnology, agriculture and food manufacturing, sustainable transportation, digital technology, construction, smart cities, and defense and aerospace.
He outlined several innovations led by NASENI, including electric vehicles and NASENI Solar Home Systems to improve rural electrification.
He also highlighted smart devices like laptops and tablets tailored to Nigeria’s market, as well as solar irrigation pumps and coal-based fertilizers aimed at boosting agricultural productivity nationwide.
Halilu emphasized NASENI’s dedication to transforming Nigeria into a global innovation hub through technology transfer and the commercialization of products.
“He also highlighted ongoing projects such as the NASENI Troment vaccine factory initiative, the NASENI Portland compressed natural gas (CNG) center, the NASENI Devfrontier solar light and battery projects, the NASENI Renewable Park, and the NASENI Family Homes initiative promoting sustainable housing solutions,” the statement read in part.
The agency sought NEC’s support to establish manufacturing industries across states using local raw materials.
NASENI also requested streamlined land and seaport access, assistance in setting up showrooms for its products, and favorable policies to encourage the adoption of its initiatives.
Halilu noted that NASENI has attracted $3.23 billion in investments and launched the DELT-Her initiative to empower female engineers.
While commending NASENI’s efforts to promote local manufacturing and industrial development, the NEC directed the agency to accelerate the establishment of lithium battery factories in regions rich in natural resources and to repair tractors nationwide under the National Asset Restoration Programme.
The Council also resolved to leverage NASENI’s tailored support for manufacturing and public sector partnerships to strengthen Nigeria’s economic diversification.
NEC emphasized that infrastructure, policy frameworks, and market access are crucial for achieving these goals.
NASENI is the only purpose-built intervention agency of the Federal Government under the Presidency, with a mandate to develop a dynamic Science and Engineering infrastructure base for fostering home-initiated and home-sustained industrialization in Nigeria.
