Nigeria’s state-backed science agency has vowed to push more of its laboratory breakthroughs into the commercial marketplace, urging its scientists to focus on innovations that can directly boost the country’s economy.
The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) made the call during a major scientific briefing aimed at breaking down silos among its various research arms.
Speaking at the launch of the NASENI Hybrid Scientific Engagement Programme, Dr. Chika Ezeanyanaso, Director of the Nano Science Department, said the initiative was a strategic move to foster collaboration and speed up Nigeria’s industrialisation.
“This seminar provides an opportunity for colleagues to learn from one another and generate ideas that will support innovation and national economic growth,” Dr. Ezeanyanaso told attendees. She emphasised a culture of open collaboration, adding, “There is no seniority here; what matters is knowledge sharing.”
From Pineapple Leaves to Bioplastics
Among the key breakthroughs highlighted at the summit was a long-running project aimed at tackling plastic waste using local agricultural by-products.
Engr. Dr. Samuel Wadzani Gadzama, a chief engineer at the Scientific Equipment Development Institute (SEDI), unveiled the results of a decade-long research effort into nanoscience.
The flagship project involved successfully extracting nanocellulose fibre from discarded pineapple leaves. Following extensive local and international laboratory testing, the team developed a sustainable, biodegradable material that could replace conventional plastics.
Key Discovery: The nanocellulose product can serve as a vital raw material for manufacturing eco-friendly, biodegradable plastics, offering a green alternative for industrial packaging.
A Call for Closer Collaboration
The agency is now looking to bridge the gap between its scientific theorists and practical engineers to get these products to market faster.
Dr. Hassan Bakare, Deputy Director of the Research Laboratory Department, called for the permanent integration of the agency’s Science and Engineering arms into a joint platform. Supporters argue this interdisciplinary approach is vital if Nigeria is to transform raw research into scalable, commercial technologies successfully.
The agency’s leadership, led by Executive Vice Chairman Khalil Halilu, has pledged continued backing for the initiative as the government looks to home-grown technology to reduce reliance on imports.
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