The National Economic Council (NEC) has called on state governments to adopt and patronize technological innovations developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to accelerate Nigeria’s industrialization.
The council’s directive is aimed at promoting local manufacturing and reducing the country’s reliance on foreign technology.
Persecondnews reports that NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Khalil Halilu, made a presentation on Monday to the council during its 146th meeting, outlining a strategic roadmap to drive Nigeria’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.
Others include health and biotechnology, agriculture and food manufacturing, sustainable transportation and mobility, digital technology, construction, and smart cities, as well as defence and aerospace.
He also highlighted ongoing projects such as the NASENI Troment vaccine factory initiative, the NASENI Portland compressed natural gas (CNG) centre, 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.
Halilu also mentioned smart devices such as laptops and tablets designed to meet Nigeria’s unique market needs, as well as solar irrigation pumps and coal-based fertilizers designed to improve agricultural productivity across the country.
The NASENI boss emphasized the agency’s commitment to transforming Nigeria into a global innovation hub through technology transfer and product commercialization.
The Executive Vice Chairman also pointed out the ongoing projects such as the NASENI Troment vaccine factory initiative, the NASENI Portland compressed natural gas (CNG) centre, the NASENI Devfrontier solar light and battery projects, the NASENI Renewable Park, and the NASENI Family Homes initiative promoting sustainable housing solutions.
The agency requested NEC’s support to establish manufacturing industries in various states by utilising local raw materials.
NASENI also called for streamlined processes related to land and seaport access, assistance in setting up showrooms for its products, and favourable 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 the agency’s efforts to drive local manufacturing and industrial development, the NEC directed the agency to scale up the establishment of lithium battery factories in regions with abundant 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 the importance of infrastructure, policy frameworks, and market access as critical components in achieving these objectives.
NASENI is the only on-purpose-built intervention agency of the Federal Government under the Presidency whose mandates include nurturing an appropriate and dynamic science and engineering infrastructure base for achieving home-initiated and home-sustained industrialization for Nigeria.
The mandate of the agency includes the development of relevant processes, capital goods, and equipment necessary for job creation, national economic well-being, and progress.
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