The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has introduced a groundbreaking policy aimed at fostering internal collaboration and driving the commercialization of indigenous technologies. The new directive requires all Development Institutes within the Agency to prioritize the use of in-house products and innovations before considering external alternatives.
The policy, approved by NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, Mr. Khalil S. Halilu, highlights the importance of internal endorsement and usage to enhance credibility and market readiness. This strategic move aligns with NASENI’s mission to establish itself as a key player in technological development and commercialization in Nigeria.
An internal memo, dated January 31, 2024, and addressed to all Acting Managing Directors and Overseeing Officers of NASENI’s Development Institutes, detailed the new directive. It underscores inter-institute patronage as a fundamental step in ensuring that NASENI’s innovations are refined and validated internally before being introduced to wider markets.
All NASENI institutes must prioritize internally developed products, such as NASENI-branded laptops, in their procurement plans, provided they meet budgetary provisions. This move aims to reinforce the internal adoption of NASENI technologies. Each institute will conduct pilot programs to test products in real-world applications, providing critical feedback for further refinement before market launch. Bi-annual exhibitions will be organized, allowing institutes to showcase their innovations, exchange insights, and explore integration opportunities. Mini-showrooms will also be established in key urban centers to promote NASENI products.
Training sessions will be conducted to equip staff with the necessary skills to effectively use and promote products developed by other NASENI institutes. NASENI leadership will actively endorse the Agency’s products to bolster market credibility. Additionally, institutes are encouraged to prioritize products from existing collaborations, such as the NASENI-IMOSE partnership. A structured review system will track policy implementation, requiring institutes to submit periodic reports on product usage, feedback, and challenges to facilitate continuous improvement.
The policy is projected to yield significant benefits, including strengthened internal adoption and validation of NASENI products, increasing their appeal in external markets. It will encourage cooperation among NASENI institutes to optimize resources and share best practices. Successful internal implementation will provide a tested framework for scaling up external commercialization efforts. Continuous feedback loops from internal use will help refine NASENI products, ensuring they meet the highest standards before wider market introduction.
With this innovative policy, NASENI is set to revolutionize its commercialization strategy, ensuring that its cutting-edge technologies achieve greater market penetration and long-term sustainability in Nigeria’s evolving tech landscape.
