Joyce Onwuka
The Presidential Renewed Hope Media Tour has commended the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for its remarkable progress in advancing local technology development, describing the Agency as a key driver of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
Speaking on behalf of the team, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Communication, Information and Strategy, described the visit as “impressive, impressive, impressive,” noting that NASENI’s achievements demonstrate the capacity of Nigerian youths to excel when supported by purposeful leadership. He praised the transformation recorded under the leadership of Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NASENI.
In his remarks, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu explained that sustainable industrial growth does not require products to be 100 per cent locally produced but rather demands strategic technology development, innovation and partnerships. He stated that NASENI is prioritizing commercially viable innovations capable of creating jobs, reducing production time and supporting the Nigeria First Policy.
He also highlighted the Agency’s efforts in technology transfer, commercialization, mentorship of innovators and the Innovate Naija Challenge, which provides a ₦500 million prize fund to support and scale promising Nigerian innovations.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, commended NASENI’s achievements and urged the media to give greater visibility to the Federal Government’s programmes and successes across sectors.
Similarly, Hajia Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, emphasized the need for stronger strategic communication and patronage of Nigerian innovations, while Chief Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, advocated a policy encouraging Ministries, Departments and Agencies to prioritise NASENI and other locally manufactured products.
Mr. Tunde Rahman, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, and Otega Ogra, Special Assistant to the President on Digital Media, also commended NASENI’s partnerships and locally developed technologies.
During the tour, the delegation inspected NASENI’s facilities, including drone technology, helicopter assembly, reverse engineering, precision manufacturing, renewable energy, agricultural technology and recycling systems. The visitors witnessed the practical implementation of the Agency’s 3Cs framework—Creation, Collaboration and Commercialization—which is driving indigenous manufacturing and technology transfer.
Stakeholders at the end of the visit called for sustained national campaigns to promote Nigerian-made products, strengthen local manufacturing, reduce import dependence and advance President Tinubu’s industrialization agenda.