Senior officials in President Bola Tinubu’s administration have praised the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) for its growing role in promoting locally assembled technologies, describing the agency as a major contributor to Nigeria’s industrial and technological ambitions.
The commendation came during an inspection of NASENI’s facilities in Abuja, where members of the Presidential Communications Team toured factories, production centres and the agency’s technology showroom.
Officials Inspect Drones, Farm Equipment and Locally Developed Innovations
During the visit, the delegation examined a range of products developed through partnerships between NASENI and private companies.
These included unmanned aerial vehicles, agricultural machinery, medical diagnostic test kits and other engineering solutions aimed at strengthening local production.
Among those on the tour were the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; the Special Adviser on Media and Public Communication, Sunday Dare; the Special Adviser on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala-Usman; and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The inspection aligns with the Federal Government’s push to encourage local manufacturing, reduce dependence on imports and accelerate industrial development under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Onanuga Applauds NASENI’s Transformation
Speaking after the tour, Bayo Onanuga praised the leadership of NASENI’s Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Khalil Halilu, saying the agency has undergone significant progress in a relatively short period.
He noted that although NASENI has existed since 1992, its recent achievements have become more visible under the current leadership.
According to him, the transformation reflects the administration’s commitment to empowering young Nigerians to drive innovation and national development.
Onanuga added that he had witnessed some of the agency’s projects during an earlier visit and was impressed by the pace of improvement since then.
Dare Highlights Technology Transfer and Agricultural Innovation
Sunday Dare said the technologies showcased during the visit demonstrated the Federal Government’s commitment to innovation, artificial intelligence and agricultural modernisation.
He pointed to the development of advanced farming equipment designed to replace traditional tools, saying such innovations could improve productivity while making mechanised farming more accessible to local farmers.
Dare also praised NASENI’s collaboration in producing diagnostic test kits locally, noting that Nigeria still imports the vast majority of such medical products.
He argued that government ministries and agencies should first determine whether locally manufactured alternatives are available before resorting to imports.
Bala-Usman Commends Halilu’s Leadership
Hadiza Bala-Usman also expressed admiration for the agency’s recent achievements, describing Halilu as a focused and visionary leader.
She recalled knowing him for over a decade and said he had consistently demonstrated a clear vision for transforming NASENI even before assuming office.
According to her, his leadership has repositioned the agency as an institution capable of delivering practical technological solutions for the country.
Bala-Usman added that President Tinubu has consistently encouraged public officials to pursue bold ideas capable of driving meaningful national development, saying NASENI’s recent progress reflects that objective.
Partnership Expands Local Manufacturing Efforts
As part of the tour, Caverton Drones Project Coordinator Ese Obukonise presented several products developed through the company’s collaboration with NASENI.
The exhibition featured surveillance drones, agricultural drones, pressure pumping systems and a locally assembled helicopter, highlighting the agency’s efforts to expand indigenous engineering capabilities through strategic partnerships.
Halilu Defends Global Collaboration Over Complete Local Production
Responding to questions about local manufacturing, Halilu challenged the belief that every product must be produced entirely within Nigeria.
He explained that modern manufacturing depends heavily on international collaboration and specialised expertise, arguing that countries should concentrate on areas where they possess competitive advantages.
Using global technology giant Apple as an example, Halilu noted that while many products are designed in one country, their assembly often takes place elsewhere, demonstrating that successful manufacturing relies on global supply chains rather than complete domestic production.
Focus Remains on Jobs, Growth and Competitive Industries
Halilu said NASENI carefully selects projects capable of creating employment opportunities, improving production efficiency and generating long-term economic value.
According to him, the agency’s strategy supports the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy by encouraging innovations that can be commercialised, scaled across industries and eventually compete in international markets.
He added that NASENI will continue pursuing partnerships and technology-driven projects that strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base while positioning local manufacturers for sustainable growth.f
