In a push toward sustainable industrial growth and manufacturing capacity, Nigeria’s path to economic recovery hinges significantly on the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI). With a strategic vision inspired by the industrial successes of nations like China and Japan, NASENI is spearheading Nigeria’s efforts to reduce poverty, unemployment, and insecurity through industrialization.
An industrial economy is characterized by the prevalent use of machinery, technology, and innovation in industry, combining various factors such as production facilities, supplies, and knowledge to create goods and services for the market. The infrastructure and investments in science, technology, and innovation (STI) systems are crucial in determining a nation’s competitiveness in manufacturing and processing goods. Countries with robust industrial sectors typically exhibit higher economic efficiency and better socio-economic conditions.
Historically, countries like Japan and China were not among the early beneficiaries of the industrial revolutions. However, through deliberate investments in R&D, innovation, and technology, they have rapidly ascended to join the ranks of industrialized nations. The Asian Tigers—Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand—also embraced substantial STI investments, setting a precedent for late-industrializing nations like Nigeria.
Established in 1992, NASENI aims to build a dynamic science and engineering infrastructure base to drive home-initiated and sustained industrialization. The agency focuses on developing local machine design and manufacturing capabilities for capital goods and equipment, essential for job creation and economic progress. NASENI’s mandate includes producing technologies, setting up industrial plants, and fostering knowledge-based entrepreneurship to advance the socio-economic fabric of Nigeria.
Historically, NASENI faced challenges such as the lack of local patronage for its products and low commercialization of R&D results. However, with the recent appointment of Khalil Suleiman Halilu as the new chief executive, the agency has pivoted towards full commercialization of its resources. Halilu’s leadership emphasizes collaboration, creation, and commercialization, aligning NASENI’s mission with market demands and fostering partnerships with national and international communities.
Under Halilu’s guidance, NASENI has introduced several technological products, including solar irrigation systems, electric vehicles, solar home systems, and advanced manufacturing technologies like 3D printing. These initiatives aim to create jobs, reduce import bills, and promote economic development. The agency is also working on projects like electronic voting solutions and unmanned aerial vehicles to enhance Nigeria’s technological landscape.
NASENI envisions transitioning from “Semi-Knocked Down” (SKD) to “Completely Knocked Down” (CKD) assembly for its products, increasing the use of locally-sourced materials, and ensuring full technology transfer and licensing. Halilu has pledged transparency and public updates on NASENI’s progress in driving Nigeria’s industrial transformation.
Despite Nigeria’s STI investments contributing around 10-15% to its GDP, the nation still lags behind global leaders whose economic growth is significantly driven by STI. For instance, China’s STI investments contribute 30-40% to its GDP, while the USA’s and UK’s contributions are around 30-40% and 20-25%, respectively. Nigeria’s pathway to overcoming its economic challenges lies in continuous investments in science, technology, and innovations, with NASENI at the forefront of this transformative journey.
As Nigeria navigates its industrialization journey, the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure stands as a pivotal institution. With a renewed focus on R&D, innovation, and commercialization, NASENI is poised to drive the nation’s economic growth, fostering a competitive industrial economy and ensuring a sustainable future.
