The head of Nigeria’s premier engineering agency has credited its recent industrial and technological breakthroughs entirely to the dedication and innovation of its workforce.
Speaking at an awards ceremony in Abuja, the Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Halilu, stated that the agency’s ongoing overhaul is being powered from the ground up by its staff.
The agency has recently repositioned itself under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to focus heavily on the “3Cs”: creation, collaboration, and commercialisation.
Homegrown tech and massive job creation
Detailing the agency’s performance over the past year, Mr. Halilu revealed that NASENI has successfully developed more than 44 commercially viable “Made-in-Nigeria” products, including smartphones, laptops, solar irrigation pumps, and electric tricycles.
The agency’s broader economic footprint includes:
- The Gora Solar Park: Ongoing construction of a 40-hectare industrial park in Nasarawa State, which is slated to become the largest clean energy manufacturing hub in Africa.
- Job Creation: More than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs were generated through agricultural machinery initiatives and the “Irrigate Nigeria” programme.
- Gender Inclusion: Over ₦229 million ($135,000) in innovation grants were awarded to female engineers under the agency’s flagship DELT-Her initiative.
Standing ovation for top workers
The event concluded with the presentation of the “Best Staff of the Year” awards across various technical and administrative departments.
Among the top recipients, Barrister Hussaina Shehu walked away with the prestigious Overall Staff of the Year award, while Mr Abdullah Mohammed was named Driver of the Year. In a surprise twist, the agency’s workforce presented the ultimate Staff Choice Award to the EVC himself, Khalil Suleiman Halilu.
Acknowledging that the ceremony took place later than originally planned, Mr. Halilu emphasized that excellence remains worthy of recognition at any time. “Behind every innovation, every partnership, and every achievement are dedicated staff whose commitment has made our progress possible,” he said
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