Nigeria’s National Economic Council (NEC) has urged state governments to adopt technological solutions developed by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to accelerate the country’s industrialisation.

The NEC comprises stakeholders in government and public sectors who advise the president around economic affairs. While NASENI is a state agency established to promote and develop science, technology, and engineering infrastructure, which oversees 12 development institutes across the country.

NASENI's director of information, Olusegun Ayeoyenikan, confirmed that VP Kashim Shettima made this call to arms during the 146th NEC meeting, held in Abuja. It came after NASENI’s executive vice chair, Khalil Suleiman Halilu, delivered a presentation called ‘NASENI Economic Transformation through Advancement in Technology Transfer and Adaptation’.

The presentation focused on the agency’s strategic roadmap and covered key sectors, including renewable energy, healthcare, agriculture, transportation, digital technology, sustainable transportation, and smart cities.

According to Halilu: “NASENI is seeking support from NEC to establish manufacturing industries in states, utilise local resources, streamline bureaucratic processes, and access public sector markets.

“The agency has already made significant strides, including developing electric vehicles, solar-powered solutions, and smart devices tailored to Nigerian needs,” he said.

Halilu showcased several existing projects, including electric vehicles, NASENI’s Solar Home Systems for rural electrification, and smart devices tailored for Nigeria’s market.

“NASENI is committed to turning Nigeria into a global innovation hub through effective technology transfer and product commercialisation,” he said.

Halilu noted that NASENI has secured $3.23 billion in investments and launched the DELT-Her initiative to empower female engineers, furthering the agency's commitment to local manufacturing and industrial development.