NASENI’s New Management: Building A Modern, Result-Driven Agency

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) occupies a unique and strategic position in Nigeria’s development architecture. Established by Act 33 of 1992, NASENI was conceived at a time when the country was grappling with the consequences of import dependence, weak industrial capacity and limited local technological capability. The vision behind its creation […]

The National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) occupies a unique and strategic position in Nigeria’s development architecture. Established by Act 33 of 1992, NASENI was conceived at a time when the country was grappling with the consequences of import dependence, weak industrial capacity and limited local technological capability.

The vision behind its creation was both ambitious and pragmatic; that is to drive Nigeria’s industrialisation through the development, technology adaptation and commercialization of indigenous technologies, while building science and engineering infrastructure that would support sustainable economic growth.

From inception, NASENI was designed to bridge the long-standing gap between research outputs and industrial application, ensuring that locally generated innovations do not end up as academic exercises but are transformed into practical, market-ready solutions.

Over the years, NASENI has been tasked with initiating, developing and nurturing technologies that respond directly to national needs in critical sectors such as agriculture, power, transportation, manufacturing and defence. In doing so, the Agency was also expected to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported technologies and stimulate local production, skills development and job creation.

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However, like many public institutions, NASENI’s journey since inception has been a mixture of progress, challenges and missed opportunities. While the Agency recorded notable achievements in technology development and the establishment of specialized institutes across the country, its impact was often constrained by systemic weaknesses.

Manual administrative processes, fragmented workflows, limited digital integration and weak commercialization structures slowed decision-making and reduced efficiency. As a result, many innovations struggled to move beyond the pilot stage into large-scale production and market penetration.

The assumption of office by the current Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, marked a defining moment in NASENI’s evolution. Coming at a period when Nigeria is once again prioritizing industrial growth, local content and institutional reform, his leadership has been characterized by a deliberate effort to reposition the Agency as a modern, accountable and result-driven institution.

Central to this effort has been a renewed focus on systems, structures and performance. Mr. Halilu has consistently emphasized that strong institutions are not built on good intentions alone, but on strong systems that promote efficiency, transparency and accountability. This philosophy has guided the reforms undertaken by NASENI in the last two years.

Upon assuming office, it became evident that the Agency could not deliver modern industrial outcomes using outdated management structures. Administrative bottlenecks, slow approval processes and limited coordination across institutes were incompatible with the demands of a fast-evolving industrial and technological landscape.

In response, NASENI embarked on comprehensive administrative and managerial reforms. Key processes were transitioned to digital platforms, reducing paperwork and improving speed and accuracy. Governance, compliance and integrity systems were strengthened to enhance accountability and restore confidence in institutional processes.

Coordination across NASENI’s institutes was improved, ensuring alignment with the Agency’s overall mandate and strategic objectives. Performance-driven management practices were also introduced, shifting the focus from routine activities to measurable outcomes and impact.

These reforms are foundational to NASENI’s operating philosophy anchored on the 3Cs: Creation, Collaboration and Commercialisation. Creation involves the development of innovative technologies that address national challenges. Collaboration emphasizes partnerships with academia, the private sector and international stakeholders to leverage expertise and resources.

Commercialisation focuses on translating innovations into products and services that can compete in the market and generate revenue and create jobs. Without efficient administration, innovation cannot be scaled or impact sustained, a reality that has shaped the Agency’s current trajectory.

Perhaps the most significant shift in the last two years has been NASENI’s aggressive push towards commercialisation. Historically, many public research institutions in Nigeria struggled to commercialise their outputs, resulting in disconnect between innovation and economic value.

Under Mr. Halilu’s leadership, NASENI has made commercialization a central pillar of its operations. Technologies developed within the Agency are now assessed not only on technical merit but also on market viability, scalability and potential contribution to national development.

This commercialization drive has seen NASENI strengthening its engagement with the private sector, attract investors and explore public-private partnerships that can take locally developed technologies to scale. By focusing on market readiness and demand-driven innovation, the Agency is repositioning itself as a catalyst for industrial growth rather than a passive research institution.

This approach aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes industrialisation, local production, efficiency and institutional reform as pathways to economic recovery and inclusive growth.

Complementing the commercialization agenda is a far-reaching digitization programme that is transforming NASENI’s internal operations and extending its impact beyond the Agency. Recognising that digital systems are critical to efficiency and transparency, NASENI has adopted technology-driven solutions for administration, project management and service delivery.

These efforts are not limited to internal reforms but also include strategic interventions for other government institutions. Notably, NASENI is playing a key role in digitization projects for the Federal Executive Council through the Cabinet Office in the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

By deploying digital tools and systems, the Agency is contributing to improved record management, workflow efficiency and speedy decision-making processes at the highest levels of government. Similar interventions are being undertaken for bodies such as the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, further demonstrating NASENI’s capacity to deliver practical digital solutions that enhance governance and service delivery.

Beyond systems and processes, NASENI’s transformation is also evident in its infrastructure investments over the last two years. Infrastructure is a critical enabler of innovation, manufacturing and industrial growth. Recognising this, the Agency has embarked on ambitious construction and expansion projects across the country.

A flagship initiative in this regard is the ongoing development of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment Development Institutes in the six geopolitical zones. These institutes are designed to support mechanised agriculture by developing, assembling and maintaining machinery suited to Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological conditions.

Locations such as Birnin-Kebbi in Kebbi State, Aboh-Mbaise in Imo State, Keffi in Nasarawa State and Obudu in Cross River State are already witnessing significant construction activities. By decentralizing these facilities across geopolitical zones, NASENI is ensuring equitable access to technology, supporting regional development and strengthening food security.

The focus on agricultural machinery is particularly strategic, given agriculture’s role as a major employer and contributor to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP). Mechanisation remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges, limiting productivity and competitiveness.

Through these institutes, NASENI aims to reduce dependence on imported machinery, lower production costs for farmers and stimulate local manufacturing and skills development. The ripple effects include job creation, value chain development and increased rural incomes.

Underlying all these initiatives is a consistent rallying call by the EVC/CEO to NASENI’s management and staff to keep their foot on the pedal. The message is clear: reforms must be sustained, systems must be strengthened and results must be delivered. Building a modern, accountable and result-driven NASENI is not a one-off achievement but a continuous process that requires discipline, commitment and leadership at all levels.

Executive management training and capacity-building programmes have therefore become an integral part of NASENI’s reform agenda. By equipping managers and administrators with best practices in governance, administration and performance management, the Agency is investing in human capital as a driver of institutional excellence.

The emphasis on leadership responsibility underscores the understanding that systems are only as effective as the people who implement and uphold them. As NASENI continues on this reform path, its evolving identity reflects a broader shift in Nigeria’s approach to public sector institutions.

To drive his home, he EVC/CEO of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu in his keynote address during the opening ceremony of the three-day systemwide Executive Management Training on Administrative and Managerial Procedures for NASENI system with the theme: “Implementing Best Practices in the Management of NASENI” held at the Agency’s headquarters, stated that the training was important because strong institutions around the world are built on strong systems, not intentions.

Mr. Halilu reiterated that the mandate, vision and mission of the Agency align directly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes industrial growth, local production, efficiency and institutional reform. “Over the past two years, we have deliberately focused on administrative reform. We have transitioned key processes to digital platforms, strengthened governance, compliance, and integrity systems, improved coordination across institutes and introduced performance-driven management practices”, he remarked.

There is growing recognition that agencies must deliver tangible value to citizens, operate transparently and align with national development priorities. NASENI’s renewed focus on commercialization, digitization and infrastructure development positions it as a model for how public institutions can adapt to changing realities and contribute meaningfully to economic transformation.

In building a modern and result-driven NASENI, the Agency is not only fulfilling its statutory mandate but also responding to Nigeria’s urgent need for industrial capacity, technological self-reliance and inclusive growth. The journey is ongoing, but the direction is clear. With sustained leadership, strong systems and a commitment to results, NASENI is steadily redefining its role as the driver of Nigeria’s industrialization journey and a pillar of national development.