NASENI’s Breakthroughs in Local Content and Technology Transfer: A Year Under Khalil Halilu

BY Segun Bakare
a month ago

On October 10, 2024, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), marked his first anniversary in office by outlining an ambitious vision to establish NASENI as Nigeria’s leading innovation and technology transfer agency. During a press briefing, Halilu highlighted the progress made over the past year and emphasized the agency’s significant role in the country’s socio-economic development.

Reflecting on his leadership and achievements since taking office, Khalil Halilu reiterated his commitment to delivering on promises made upon his appointment. “One year later, it is a case of promise made and kept,” he stated, underscoring NASENI’s efforts in advancing technological products from development to market readiness.

A key milestone of Halilu’s leadership at NASENI is the successful development and commercialization of 36 innovative products, which are now available in the corporate market. These products, created in alignment with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focus on promoting socio-economic growth through homegrown technological solutions. Among the products launched by NASENI are solar irrigation pumps, electric vehicles, smartphones, solar home systems, smart meters, and more. These innovations reflect NASENI’s dedication to technological advancement and its drive to support local content and economic sustainability.

In his address, Khalil Halilu highlighted NASENI’s approach to fostering strategic partnerships with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and private sector entities, ensuring that Nigeria becomes a hub for technology transfer. “We are working on expanding the marketability of NASENI-developed products through collaborations, thereby increasing local content and positioning Nigeria as a leader in technology-driven solutions,” Halilu explained.

Looking ahead, NASENI is set to introduce a retail showroom as part of its strategic plan to make its products more accessible to the general public. The showroom will cater to individuals and SMEs, offering them the opportunity to walk in and purchase NASENI-developed products directly. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between corporate clients and everyday consumers, ensuring that the benefits of NASENI’s technological innovations reach a broader audience.

“We want to have a showroom where people can walk in and buy,” Khalil Halilu announced. This bold move represents a shift from purely corporate sales to retail offerings, reflecting NASENI’s vision to make cutting-edge technology available to all Nigerians.

Since taking the reins of NASENI, Khalil Suleiman Halilu has prioritized technology transfer and local content development. His leadership has seen the agency launch a wide array of products, many of which are designed and manufactured locally. The agency’s commitment to local content ensures that Nigeria reaps the full benefits of its technological innovations while fostering job creation and capacity building within the country.

NASENI’s achievements in Halilu’s first year of leadership underscore the agency’s pivotal role in driving Nigeria’s industrial and technological future. Through its continued partnerships and focus on commercializing innovative solutions, NASENI is well-positioned to become Nigeria’s leading technology transfer agency.

Under Halilu’s visionary leadership, NASENI has become a key player in aligning technological innovation with national development goals. The agency’s focus on creating technology solutions tailored to Nigeria’s specific needs supports the country’s long-term socio-economic progress. With NASENI’s initiatives in sectors such as agriculture, energy, and communications, the agency is helping to solve critical national challenges through innovative solutions.

Looking forward, Khalil Halilu remains focused on scaling NASENI’s impact across Nigeria. His goal is to continue expanding the agency’s partnerships, product offerings, and market reach, ensuring that NASENI’s innovations contribute meaningfully to the country’s growth.

In just one year, Khalil Suleiman Halilu has firmly positioned NASENI as a driving force in Nigeria’s technological and industrial landscape. His leadership has seen NASENI grow into a hub for innovation, product development, and technology transfer, all while maintaining a focus on local content and sustainability. As NASENI moves forward with plans to expand its retail offerings and continue its partnerships with OEMs, the agency is set to play a central role in Nigeria’s industrial and technological transformation.