Thumbs Up As President Tinubu Applauds NASENI’s Impacts on Industrial Revamp and Youth Empowerment

In his nationwide address on Thursday, May 29, 2025, commemorating his two years in office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu highlighted the significant strides made by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in fostering youth empowerment, economic development and stimulating industrial growth in Nigeria. The President’s remarks serve as a powerful testament to […]

In his nationwide address on Thursday, May 29, 2025, commemorating his two years in office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu highlighted the significant strides made by the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) in fostering youth empowerment, economic development and stimulating industrial growth in Nigeria.

The President’s remarks serve as a powerful testament to the government’s commitment to placing the country’s youth at the forefront of national development. NASENI’s impacts have translated into tangible programmes aimed at transforming the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria through Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

One of the cornerstones of the President’s youth empowerment initiatives is the provision of access to funds, comprehensive skill development, and rejuvenation of Nigeria’s industrial productivity and the creation of sustainable employment opportunities.

These initiatives are meticulously designed to empower young Nigerians, allowing them to contribute actively to the economy while bridging the gap of inequality that has long plagued the nation. This focus on industrial renaissance and youth empowerment aligns with the broader vision of national development, which necessitates an engaged and skilled younger generation.

President Tinubu in his speech said: “Nowhere is placing young Nigerians at the heart of national development more evident than at the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), where the current management is making giant strides. NASENI has embraced a digital-first approach, introduced real-time dashboards, and implemented end-to-end e-procurement through its Unified ERP System-setting a new governance benchmark for public institutions.”

“Through bold, high-impact programmes like Innovate Naija, Irrigate Nigeria, the Asset Restoration Programme, and the Renewable Energy and Innovation Park in Gora, NASENI drives inclusive industrialization at scale. From assembling electric vehicles and reviving idle assets to launching Africa’s most advanced Rapid Diagnostic Kit Factory and training female drone engineers through the NASCAV programme, these initiatives are creating jobs, restoring dignity to work, and opening a future of possibilities for our youths.

“This is the movement we promised-a government of action powered by the energy and innovation of young Nigerians,” he said. At the heart of these efforts, NASENI stands out as a pivotal player. Under the current management of the young Mr. Khalil Halilu Suleiman as Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, the Agency is embracing innovative strategies that reflect a commitment to a digital-first approach.

The President remarked that the on-going modernization in NASENI is evidenced by the introduction of real-time dashboards and the implementation of an end-to-end e-procurement system through a Unified ERP System. Such technological advancements not only enhances transparency and efficiency in governance but also has set a new benchmark for public institutions across Nigeria.

By leveraging technology, NASENI is positioning itself as a model for other agencies to follow, ensuring that public service delivery is not only efficient but also responsive to the needs of the populace, particularly the youth. President Tinubu underscored this transformative journey concerning bold, high-impact programmes spearheaded by NASENI which represent a comprehensive framework for inclusive industrialization that seeks to engage the youth in meaningful and productive ways.

For instance, through Innovate Naija, young innovators and entrepreneurs are provided with resources and support to turn their ideas into viable business ventures, fostering a culture of innovation that is crucial for economic growth. NASENI has already established an Innovation Hub at its headquarters in Abuja to bring this to fruition.
President Tinubu noted that Agriculture and food security are top priorities of his Renewed Hope Agenda of which NASENI is playing a pivotal role through the Irrigate Nigeria Project wherein the Agency has provided its state-of-the art Solar Irrigation Pump system to boost local food production, support farmers, and stabilize food prices through mechanized farming.

Moreover, the Irrigate Nigeria initiative aims to empower young and old farmers by incorporating modern agricultural practices and technologies, thereby enhancing food security and promoting sustainable on-season and off-season farming cycles. This directly addresses the pressing challenges faced by youths in rural areas, offering them viable pathways to economic independence and improved livelihoods.

The NASENI Asset Restoration Programme stands as another testament to the Agency’s commitment to rejuvenating dormant industrial assets, creating jobs, and ultimately restoring dignity to work. By reviving idle infrastructure and integrating it into the current economic framework, NASENI not only generates employment but also ensures that abandoned tractors, vehicles, equipment and industrial resources are utilized effectively, fostering a sense of ownership and pride for the country.

Perhaps one of the most groundbreaking initiatives detailed in President Tinubu’s speech is the establishment of Africa’s most advanced Rapid Diagnostic Kit Factory, the NASENI-Troment factory for vaccine production along with training programmes such as the NASCAV initiative aimed specifically at empowering female drone engineers who are being deployed to assist rural farmers in precision farming.
These initiatives highlight NASENI’s determination to bridge gender gaps in technology and engineering, providing young women with the skills and opportunities to thrive in industries that have traditionally been male-dominated. This focus on gender equity is vital for fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, ultimately enriching Nigeria’s industrial landscape.
Under the leadership of Mr. Halilu, NASENI is building urea and coal-based factories, lithium processing and manufacturing plant, drone training school and assembly plant, expanding eco-friendly cookstoves factories production lines across ten states in the country, rehabilitating abandoned farm tractors and vehicles, building over a dozen new Development Institutes and NASENI Skill Acquisition Centres (NSACs) nationwide and many more.
The impact of NASENI’s initiatives extends beyond mere job creation; it is about igniting a movement that fosters innovation, resilience and industrial capabilities among Nigeria’s youth. By providing them with the trainings and tools necessary to succeed, NASENI is opening up a vast array of possibilities for young Nigerians, empowering them to dream bigger and pursue careers that contribute to national growth. President Tinubu’s vision of a government of action, driven by the innovative capacity and energy of young Nigerians resonates strongly with NASENI’s mission.
In essence, NASENI’s holistic approach to youth development and industrial growth demonstrates a clear alignment with the government’s objectives articulated in President Tinubu’s speech. By prioritizing technology, skill development, and inclusive industrialization, NASENI is not only preparing the next generation of leaders but also fortifying Nigeria’s position as a forward-thinking nation ready to compete on the global stage.
The journey towards an inclusive and prosperous future for the Nigerian youth is being paved by proactive measures and strategic initiatives led by NASENI. As these programmes continue to unfold and evolve, they will undoubtedly play a critical role in shaping a new narrative for Nigeria-one where young people are valued as key drivers of economic development and social progress.
The vision of the Agency is to fuel Nigeria’s innovation for sustainable development, which includes the development of relevant processes, capital goods, and equipment necessary for job creation, national economic well-being and progress. The Agency is focused on key areas of science and engineering development to engender socio-economic transformation and industrial competitiveness.
Over the past three decades, NASENI has played significant roles, particularly in the field of capital goods, research, production, and reverse engineering. During this time, it has successfully developed more than 150 innovative products as well as prototypes. Its efforts bolstered by its Development Institutes and Centres contribute to fostering excellence in engineering and manufacturing. NASENI’s focus spans various sectors including Renewable Energy & Sustainability, Health & Biotechnology, Agriculture & Food Manufacturing, Sustainable Transportation & Mobility, IT & Software, Construction & Smart City, and Défense & Aerospace.
Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, the visionary leader at the helm of affairs in NASENI is on a mission to harness the power of modern science and engineering to propel Nigeria’s industrialization agenda and position NASENI as a beacon of technological prowess both on the national and global stage. As Executive Vice Chairman, the Agency operates on three core principles of Collaboration, Creation and Commercialization (3Cs), ensuring that NASENI delivers world-class products and services.
Since his appointment, Khalil has spearheaded the Agency’s transformation into a vital force for Nigeria’s technological advancement. He has transformed NASENI to become Nigeria’s Primary Technology Transfer Agency, facilitating the critical bridge between Research and Development and real-world applications. In less than two years, Khalil has transformed NASENI from a research-based institution into a powerhouse of commercialization, with a staggering output of over 35 market-ready products.
In conclusion, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reflections on his administration’s achievements in empowering youth and enhancing industrial growth effectively spotlight NASENI’s significant contributions.
As the nation moves forward, the synergy between leadership, technological advancement, and the empowerment of young Nigerians will be crucial for achieving sustainable development and ensuring that the promise of a bright future is realized for all. The commitment to action, innovation, and inclusivity at NASENI serves as a beacon of hope for the youth, paving the way for a greater Nigeria driven by talents and aspirations of its younger generations.

Emmanuel Chukwu writes from Nnewi, Anambra